Question

Which of these cranial nerves contains preganglionic parasympathetic fibers?

A.) optic, CN II
B.) facial, CN VII
C.) trigeminal, CN V
D.) hypoglossal, CN XII

Answer 1

The facial nerve, CN VII, is the cranial nerve that contains preganglionic parasympathetic fibers and is responsible for controlling the salivary glands among other functions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cranial nerve that contains preganglionic parasympathetic fibers is the facial nerve, CN VII. This nerve is responsible for several functions including the control of the salivary glands. The other cranial nerves listed, such as the optic nerve (CN II), trigeminal nerve (CN V), and hypoglossal nerve (CN XII), do not contain preganglionic parasympathetic fibers. CN VII plays a crucial role alongside other nerves like the oculomotor nerve (CN III), glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), and the vagus nerve (CN X) in parasympathetic innervation and functions within the head and neck, and, for the vagus nerve, also in the thoracic and superior abdominal cavities.