Infographic: Functions of the Cranial Nerves

Functions of the Cranial Nerves

Cranial Nerve I: The olfactory nerve- Conveys a sense of smell
Cranial Nerve II: The optic nerve- Transmits visual information
Cranial Nerves III, IV, VI: The oculomotor (III), trochlear (IV), and abducens (VI) nerves- Coordinate eye movement
Cranial Nerve V: Trigeminal nerve- Provides sensation to the skin of the face and controls muscles of mastication
Cranial Nerve VII: Facial nerve- Controls the muscles of facial expression and is involved in taste
Cranial Nerve VIII: Vestibulocochlear nerve- Involved in the processes of hearing and balance
Cranial Nerve IX: Glossopharyngeal nerve- Oral sensation, taste, and salivation
Cranial Nerve X: Vagus nerve- Controls muscles of the larynx and pharynx
Cranial Nerve XI: Accessory nerve- Responsible for shoulder shrugging and head-turning
Cranial Nerve XII: Hypoglossal- Tongue movement