Cranial Nerves

The cranial nerves are comprised of twelve pairs of nerves that emerge from the nervous tissue of the brain. It is only through openings in the skull that they can exit or enter the cranium. As a result, their name comes from cranial associations.

This quiz will help you identify each cranial nerve and its function.

  • Question of

    The nerve emerge directly from the brain (including the brainstem).

    • Cranial nerve
    • Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
    • Abducens nerve (CN VI)
    • Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

    Correct Wrong

    All of the cranial nerves originate in the brain (including the brainstem). The cranial nerves transfer information from the brain to various parts of the body, primarily the head and neck.

  • Question of

    Transmits visual information to the brain via photoreceptors in the retina.

    • Optic nerve (CN II)
    • Facial nerve (CN VII)
    • Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
    • Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)

    Correct Wrong

    From the retina of the eye, the optic nerve (II) transmits visual information to the brain.

  • Question of

    Through innervation of the lateral rectus muscle, controls the lateral movement of the eye.

    • Abducens nerve (CN VI)
    • Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
    • Vagus nerve (CN X)
    • Oculomotor nerve (CN III)

    Correct Wrong

    Among its functions is innervating the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, an eye muscle that controls lateral movement. The abducens nerve (VI) is a motor nerve.

  • Question of

    Contains hearing and balance information.

    • Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
    • Abducens nerve (CN VI)
    • Olfactory nerve (I)
    • Vagus nerve (CN X)

    Correct Wrong

    The vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII) transmits information from the inner ear to the brain about sound and balance.

  • Question of

    Controls eye movements, such as the constriction of the pupil and opening of the eyelids.

    • Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
    • Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
    • Olfactory nerve (I)
    • Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

    Correct Wrong

    Oculomotor nerve (III) controls most eye movements, constricts the pupil, and keeps the eyelid open.

  • Question of

    It is the first of the 12 cranial nerves and is responsible for the sense of smell.

    • Olfactory nerve (I)
    • Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
    • Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
    • Vagus nerve (CN X)

    Correct Wrong

    One of the few nerves capable of regeneration, the olfactory nerve (I) is instrumental in the sense of smell.

  • Question of

    Controls specific shoulders and neck muscles.

    • Spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)
    • Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
    • Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
    • Oculomotor nerve (CN III)

    Correct Wrong

    Control of certain muscles of the shoulder and neck is provided by the spinal accessory (XI) nerve.

  • Question of

    Tongue muscles are controlled by this nerve.

    • Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
    • Facial nerve (CN VII)
    • Optic nerve (CN II)
    • Trochlear nerve (CN IV)

    Correct Wrong

    Hypoglossal nerve (XII) controls tongue movements involved in speech, food manipulation, and swallowing.

  • Question of

    The nerve that controls sensory and motor functions of the face and mouth.

    • Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
    • Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
    • Facial nerve (CN VII)
    • Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

    Correct Wrong

    Sensation and motor function in the mouth and face are controlled by the trigeminal nerve (V).

  • Question of

    It is responsible for swallowing, gag reflex, and other functions.

    • Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
    • Spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)
    • Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
    • Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

    Correct Wrong

    Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) receives sensory information from the tonsils, the pharynx, the middle ear, and the rest of the tongue.

  • Question of

    Among its functions are the control of facial expression muscles and transport of taste and sensation from the mouth and tongue.

    • Facial nerve (CN VII)
    • Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
    • Vagus nerve (CN X)
    • Trigeminal nerve (CN V)

    Correct Wrong

    The facial nerve (VII), originates from the pons and medulla of the brainstem. It controls facial expressions and sends taste and sensation coming from the mouth and tongue.

  • Question of

    Motor nerve innervating one eye muscle: the superior oblique muscle.

    • Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
    • Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
    • Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
    • Hypoglossal nerve (XII)

    Correct Wrong

    In order to rotate the eye, the trochlear nerve (IV) innervates the superior oblique muscle.

  • Question of

    The cranial nerve that transmits parasympathetic output to the heart and viscera.

    • Vagus nerve (CN X)
    • Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
    • Olfactory nerve (I)
    • Abducens nerve (CN VI)

    Correct Wrong

    Among the cranial nerves, the vagus nerve is the longest and most complex. The vagus nerve (X) controls many physiological processes, including heart rate, digestion, sweating, and muscle movements in the mouth, including speech and breathing through the larynx.