Cranial Nerves (CN I–XII) Summary
The cranial nerves provide essential sensory and motor innervation to the structures of the head and neck.
| CN | Name | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| I | Olfactory | Smell (Sensory) |
| II | Optic | Vision (Sensory) |
| III | Oculomotor | Eye movement, pupil constriction (Motor) |
| IV | Trochlear | Eye movement (Superior Oblique) (Motor) |
| V | Trigeminal | Facial sensation, muscles of mastication (Both) |
| VI | Abducens | Eye movement (Lateral Rectus) (Motor) |
| VII | Facial | Facial expression, taste (ant 2/3), lacrimation/salivation (Both) |
| VIII | Vestibulocochlear | Hearing, balance (Sensory) |
| IX | Glossopharyngeal | Swallowing, taste (post 1/3), salivation (Both) |
| X | Vagus | Visceral sensation, swallowing, speech (Both) |
| XI | Accessory | Head rotation, shoulder shrugging (Motor) |
| XII | Hypoglossal | Tongue movement (Motor) |
Mnemonic:
“Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet Ah Heaven.”