The Cranial Nerves
Nerve | Function |
|---|---|
Olfactory | Transmit smell |
Optic | Necessary for vision; carry the sensory nerves for certain eye reflexes |
Oculomotor | Carry motor neurons that control most of the muscles of the eye |
Trochlear | Carry motor neurons that control other muscles of the eye |
Trigeminal | Include 3 main branches: the motor nerve to the muscles of the jaw, sensory nerves to the mouth and nasal cavity, and sensory nerves that carry pain sensations from the cornea (the sensitive outermost part of the eyeball) |
Abducent | Carry motor neurons that control other muscles of the eye |
Facial | Control the muscles responsible for facial expression (ears, eyelids, nose, and mouth) |
Vestibulocochlear | These nerves are divided into 2 parts: the cochlear nerve, which responds to sound; and the vestibular nerve, which functions to maintain posture and balance |
Glossopharyngeal | Provide sensory and motor control of the throat and vocal chords |
Vagus | Provide sensory and motor control for the major internal organs, including the heart and the digestive tract |
Spinal accessory | Carry sensory and motor information for the muscles of the head and upper neck |
Hypoglossal nerves | The motor nerves to the tongue |