Cranial nerves I–VII: origin, foramen and function

CRANEAL NERVES

I. Olfactory nerve

Apparent origin

Telencephalon: It's an extension of the brain, therefore, it isn't specifically associated with the brain stem.

Hole

Hole in the cribiform plate,

Function

Transmits impulses from taste buds and olfactory mucosa.

II. Optical nerve

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Diencephalon: same as the olfactory nerve, it's an extension of the brain.

Optical canal

Transmits impulses from the viscera and blood vessels.

III. Oculomotor nerver

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Midbrain.

Upper orbital fissure.

Innervates the smooth muscle of the viscera, extraocular muscles, heart, salivary glands and skeletons muscles.

IV. Trochlear nerve

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Midbrain.

Upper orbital fissure.

Innervates the skeletons muscles.

V. Trigeminal nerve

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Brainstem.

Oval hole

Innervates the skeletons muscles branchial arc derivatives and transmits impulses from the skin and the skeletons muscles.

VI. External eye motor nerve

or abducens nerve

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Brainstem

Upper orbital fissure.

Innervates the skeletons muscles.

VII. Facial nerve

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Brainstem.

Internal acoustic meatus.

Innervates the skeletons branchial arc derivates, the smooth muscle of the viscera, extraocular muscles, heart, salivary glands and transmits impulses from taste buds and olfactory mucosa, and from the skin and skeletons muscles.

VIII. Vestibulocochlear nerve

or auditory nerve

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Spinal bulb

Internal acoustic meatus.

Transmits impulses from the retina and vestibular and auditory devices.

IX. Glossopharyngeal nerve

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Spinal bulb

jugular hole

Innervates the skeletons branchial arc derivates, the smooth muscle of the viscera, extraocular muscles, heart, salivary glands and transmits impulses from taste buds and olfactory mucosa, from the skin and skeletons muscles, and from the viscera and blood vassels.

X. Vague nerve

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Spinal bulb

Jugular hole

Innervates the skeletons branchial arc derivates, the smooth muscle of the viscera, extraocular muscles, heart, salivary glands and transmits impulses from taste buds and olfactory mucosa, from the skin and skeletons muscles, and from the viscera and blood vassels.

XI. Accessory nerve

or spinal nerve

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Spinal bulb

Jugular hole

Innervates the skeletons branchial arc derivates and the skeletons muscles.

XII. Hipoglossal nerve

Apparent origin

Hole

Function

Spinal bulb

Hypoglossal canal

Innervates the skeletons muscles.