Neurological system

Cranial nerves:

12 nerves in the back of the brain moving around our face and neck.

Send electrical signals between your brain, face, neck and torso.

Help us to use our senses and make facial expressions.

Cranial nerve 1 (olfactory nerve) - sense of smell.

Cranial nerve 2 (optic nerve) - gives ability to see.

Cranial nerve 3 (Oculomotor nerve) - allows you to move and blink your eyes.

Cranial nerve 4 (Trochlear nerve) - allows you to move your eyes up and down, back and forth.

Cranial nerve 5 (Trigeminal nerve) - allows sensations in face and cheek, taste and jaw movements.

Cranial nerve 6 (Abducens nerve) - gives ability to move eyes.

Cranial nerve 7 (Facial nerve) - facial expressions and sense of taste are organised here.

Cranial nerve 8 (Vestibulocochler nerve) - helps sense of hearing and balance.

Cranial nerve 9 (Glossopharyngeal nerve) - the ability to taste and swallow.

Cranial nerve 10 (Vagus nerve) - this helps with digestion and heart rate.

Cranial nerve 11 (Accessory nerve) - shoulder and neck muscle movement.

Cranial nerve 12 (Hypoglossal nerve) - ability to move tongue.