Cranial Nerves

About the Cranial Nerves

The twelve cranial nerves emerge directly from the brain and brainstem. I Olfactory smell from olfactory mucosa to olfactory bulb. II Optic vision from retina to brain. III Oculomotor eye movement most extraocular muscles, parasympathetic to pupil and ciliary muscle. IV Trochlear superior oblique muscle, tilts eye down and in. V Trigeminal largest, three divisions: ophthalmic V1, maxillary V2, mandibular V3, facial sensation and mastication. VI Abducens lateral rectus, abducts eye. VII Facial facial expression muscles, taste anterior two thirds, lacrimal and salivary glands, stapedius. VIII Vestibulocochlear hearing and balance. IX Glossopharyngeal taste posterior one third, swallowing, carotid body sinus reflex. X Vagus parasympathetic to heart, lungs, GI tract, swallowing, voice. XI Accessory sternocleidomastoid and trapezius. XII Hypoglossal tongue movement. Some say marry money but my brother says big brains matter more is a mnemonic for sensory, motor, or both function.