Cranial Nerves

There are 12 cranial nerves attached to the under side of the brain. CN 1 is the Olfactory nerve which is your sense of smell. CN 2 is the Optic nerve which is your sight. CN 8 is the Vestibulocochlear nerve which is your hearing. CN 1, 2, and 8 are afferent or sensory only.

CN 3 is the Oculomotor nerve it controls the Superior and Inferior Rectus, Inferior Oblique, and Medial Rectus muscles. CN4 is the Trochlear nerve controls the Superior Oblique muscle. CN 6 is the Abducens which controls the Lateral Rectus muscle. CN 11 is the Accessory nerve which controls the Pharynx, Larynx, and Soft Palate that are used in swallowing. CN 12 is the Hypoglossal nerve which controls the tongue. CN 3, 4, 6, 11, 12 are motor neurons or efferent.

CN 3 is the oculomotor nerve which also adjusts your pupil size. CN 7 is the Facial nerve controls muscles in the face, neck, and scalp. It also controls your lacrimal glands (tear producing) and sublingual and submandibular glands (which produce saliva). CN 9 is the Glossopharyngeal nerve that control tastebuds in the posterior 1/3 of the tounge, controls muscles in swallowing. Also stimulates the Parotid gland to secrete saliva. CN10 is the Vagus nerve that controls taste buds in the epiglottis and pharynx. Also controls muscles in the neck and throat. Monitors blood pressure and respiratory function. It also controls smooth muscle in the Gi tract, respiratory passageway, esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, small intestines, and large intestines. CN3, 7, 9, and 10 are all part of the parasymathetic nervous system.

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