Cranial Nerve Collection Trivia Quiz

Answer:

Many of the cranial nerves are associated with the special senses, such as the olfactory (I) and optic nerves(II) which relate to smell and vision, respectively. Three nerves contribute to the movements of the eye in its socket - oculomotor (III), trochlear (IV) and abducens (VI).

The trigeminal nerve (V) is important for facial sensation; it is the nerve involved in the extremely painful disorder known as tic douloureux. The facial nerve (VII) moves the face; peripheral branches of this nerve do not function in Bell's palsy, which may be idiopathic or related to certain infectious diseases such as Lyme disease. The vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII) regulates hearing and balance. The glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) mediates taste in the back third of the tongue - the facial nerve (VII) handles the front two thirds.

The vagus nerve (X) is the longest cranial nerve; it is important in several functions including heart rate and digestion. The accessory or spinal accessory nerve (XI) helps work the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, so it is tested by checking ability to shrug the shoulders or turn the head. The hypoglossal (XII) nerve controls the tongue muscles.

The incorrect answers are all nerves that have their origin in the spinal cord rather than directly from the brain. The sciatic is the longest nerve in the body, running from the back down the leg - "sciatica" is pain shooting down the leg when the nerve is pinched by a vertebral disc or other structure.

The pudendal nerve is important for sexual function and for sphincter control. The median nerve helps work the hand and fingers, and is often compromised in carpal tunnel syndrome. The obturator nerve helps with both motor function and sensation of the thigh. The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, so it is very important in breathing. The femoral nerve, like the obturator nerve, helps with leg movement and sensation.