Cranial Nerves Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the 12 cranial nerves, their basic functions, and introduces mnemonics to help memorize their names and functional types.

List of Cranial Nerves

• There are 12 cranial nerves originating from the brain.
• The cranial nerves control movement, sensation, and vision in the head and neck.
• The nerves are numbered in the order they connect to the brain:
  • Olfactory
  • Optic
  • Oculomotor
  • Trochlear
  • Trigeminal
  • Abducent
  • Facial
  • Vestibulocochlear
  • Glossopharyngeal
  • Vagus
  • Accessory
  • Hypoglossal

Mnemonics for Memorizing Cranial Nerves

• Mnemonics can help remember the order of the nerves:
  • "Only One Of The Two Athletes Felt Very Good, Victorious, And Healthy"
  • "On Occasion Our Trusty Truck Acts Funny, Very Good Vehicle Anyhow"
• Each word in these phrases corresponds to one cranial nerve, from Olfactory to Hypoglossal.

Mnemonics for Nerve Type (Sensory, Motor, Both)

• Another mnemonic helps remember if each nerve is Sensory (S), Motor (M), or Both (B):
  • "Some Say Merry Money But My Brother Says Bigger Brains Matter Most"
• Each word maps to a nerve’s function: sensory, sensory, motor, motor, both, motor, both, sensory, both, both, motor, motor.

Functions of Each Cranial Nerve

• Olfactory (Sensory): Smell
• Optic (Sensory): Vision
• Oculomotor (Motor): Eye movement, pupil adjustment, eyelid motion
• Trochlear (Motor): Eye movement
• Trigeminal (Both): Facial sensation, chewing
• Abducent (Motor): Eye movement
• Facial (Both): Facial expression, taste
• Vestibulocochlear (Sensory): Hearing, balance
• Glossopharyngeal (Both): Taste, swallowing
• Vagus (Both): Parasympathetic control of heart, lungs, digestion
• Accessory (Motor): Shoulder and neck movement
• Hypoglossal (Motor): Tongue movement

Key Terms & Definitions

• Cranial Nerves — Twelve nerves originating in the brain that control head and neck functions.
• Mnemonic — A memory aid using patterns or phrases to help recall facts.
• Sensory Nerve — Carries information to the brain (e.g., smell, vision).
• Motor Nerve — Controls movement (e.g., muscles).
• Both — Nerve with both sensory and motor functions.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Practice saying the mnemonics for names and types of cranial nerves.
• Review nerve functions using the provided lists.
• Create your own mnemonic or story to reinforce memory.
• Check the blog link for a condensed overview of cranial nerves.
• Watch the full membership video for detailed memory tricks.