Final answer:
The cranial nerves that exit laterally can be either mixed or sensory cranial nerves. Some cranial nerves are strictly sensory, such as the olfactory, optic, and vestibulocochlear nerves, while others are mixed, containing both sensory and motor fibers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cranial nerves that exit laterally can be either mixed or sensory cranial nerves. Some cranial nerves are strictly sensory, such as the olfactory, optic, and vestibulocochlear nerves. These nerves transmit sensory information from the periphery to the brain. Other cranial nerves are mixed, meaning they contain both sensory and motor fibers. Examples of mixed cranial nerves include the trigeminal, facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves.