Cranial Nerves Overview

Flashcards covering the definitions and functions of the cranial nerves described in the lecture.

Olfactory nerve (CN I)

Sensory; responsible for the sense of smell.

Optic nerve (CN II)

Sensory; responsible for vision.

Oculomotor nerve (CN III)

Motor; controls eye movement and pupil constriction.

Trochlear nerve (CN IV)

Motor; responsible for eye movement.

Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

Both; responsible for facial sensation and chewing.

Abducens nerve (CN VI)

Motor; controls eye movement.

Facial nerve (CN VII)

Both; responsible for taste and facial expression.

Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)

Sensory; responsible for balance and hearing.

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Both; responsible for taste and throat function.

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Both; controls pharynx, larynx, and internal organs.

Accessory nerve (CN XI)

Motor; controls neck and upper back movement.

Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)

Motor; responsible for tongue movement.

Sensory nerves

Nerves that carry sensory information to the brain.

Motor nerves

Nerves that carry signals from the brain to muscles.

Both nerves

Nerves that possess both sensory and motor functions.