Question

List the twelve cranial nerve names, their number and if they are sensory, motor or both.

Answer 1

The 12 cranial nerves have specific functions, with some being purely sensory, others motor, and some mixed. They are involved in senses like smell, vision, hearing, as well as controlling eye movements, facial expressions, swallowing, and regulating organ function. Spinal nerves also have sensory and motor components and are part of different plexuses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The human body possesses 12 cranial nerves, each with specific sensory, motor, or mixed functions. Here is a list of them along with their respective functions:

1. Olfactory (CNI) - purely sensory, related to the sense of smell.
2. Optic (CNII) - purely sensory, related to vision.
3. Oculomotor (CNIII) - mainly motor, controls most eye movements, eyelid opening, and pupil constriction.
4. Trochlear (CNIV) - primarily motor, innervates the superior oblique muscle of the eye.
5. Trigeminal (CNV) - both sensory and motor, relates to facial sensations and movements of the jaw.
6. Facial (CNVII) - both sensory (taste) and motor, control facial expressions and saliva production.
7. Vestibulocochlear (CNVIII) - purely sensory, associated with hearing and balance.
8. Glossopharyngeal (CNIX) - both sensory (taste) and motor, involved in swallowing and saliva secretion.
9. Vagus (CNX) - both sensory and motor, impacts heart rate, digestion, and gag reflex.
10. Accessory (CNXI) - primarily motor, affects shoulder and neck muscles.
11. Hypoglossal (CNXII) - primarily motor, controls tongue movements.

In addition to cranial nerves, there are spinal nerves with sensory and motor components that pass through various plexuses providing innervation to the body.