Question

First, write the Roman numeral that corresponds to each named cranial nerve (after the abbreviation CN). Second, match the cranial nerve with its correct function from the column on the right.

CN
Vestibulocochlear nerve
CN
Trigeminal nerve
CN
_Hypoglossal nerve
CN
_Abducens nerve
CN
_Vagus nerve
CN
_Olfactory nerve
CN
_Accessory nerve
CN
_Oculomotor nerve
CN
_Facial nerve
CN
_Optic nerve
CN
_Glossopharyngeal nerve
CN
_____Trochlear nerve

a. Motor to the lateral rectus muscle
b. Motor to the muscles of facial expression; lacrimation; salivation; taste to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue
c. Sense of smell
d. Motor to the muscles for swallowing; salivation; taste to the posterior one-third of the tongue; somatic sensation from the throat
e. Senses of hearing and equilibrium
f. Motor to the superior oblique muscle
g. Motor to the tongue
h. Motor to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles
i. Sense of vision
j. Motor to muscles of swallowing and speaking; parasympathetic innervation to thoracic and abdominal viscera; sense of taste from the throat
k. Sensory to the face; motor to the muscles of mastication
l. Motor to four of six extrinsic eye muscles; constricts the pupil; changes the shape of the lens; opens the eyelid

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Identify the Roman numeral for each cranial nerve based on its name. The cranial nerves are numbered I through XII in order of their position from the front to the back of the brain. For example, CN I corresponds to the Olfactory nerve, CN II corresponds to the Optic nerve, and so on. Step 2: Match each cranial nerve with its correct function. For example, the Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) is responsible for senses of hearing and equilibrium, while the Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) provides motor function to the tongue. Step 3: Continue matching each cranial nerve to its function using the descriptions provided. For instance, the Trigeminal nerve (CN V) is responsible for sensory input to the face and motor function for mastication, and the Abducens nerve (CN VI) controls motor function to the lateral rectus muscle. Step 4: Pay attention to the specific functions of each nerve, such as the Vagus nerve (CN X), which is involved in swallowing, speaking, parasympathetic innervation to thoracic and abdominal viscera, and taste from the throat. Similarly, the Oculomotor nerve (CN III) controls four of six extrinsic eye muscles, pupil constriction, lens shape, and eyelid opening. Step 5: Once all cranial nerves are matched with their Roman numerals and functions, review the list to ensure accuracy. Double-check that each nerve's function aligns with its anatomical role and the descriptions provided.

Key Concepts

Cranial Nerves

Functions of Cranial Nerves

Nerve Abbreviations and Roman Numerals