Overview
This lecture introduces mnemonic devices to help memorize the names and functions of the 12 cranial nerves, including their order and type (sensory, motor, or both).
The 12 Cranial Nerves
- There are 12 cranial nerves that originate from the brain.
- Cranial nerves control head and neck functions like movement, sensation, and vision.
- The nerves are numbered by their order of connection to the brain: Olfactory, Optic, Oculomotor, Trochlear, Trigeminal, Abducent, Facial, Vestibulocochlear, Glossopharyngeal, Vagus, Accessory, and Hypoglossal.
Mnemonics for Remembering Order
- Mnemonic example: "Only One Of The Two Athletes Felt Very Good, Victorious And Healthy" (first letter of each word matches a cranial nerve).
- Alternative mnemonic: "On Occasion Our Trusty Truck Acts Funny—Very Good Vehicle Anyhow."
- Each word in the mnemonic represents a cranial nerve in order.
Mnemonic for Sensory, Motor, or Both
- Mnemonic: "Some Say Merry Money But My Brother Says Bigger Brains Matter Most."
- Each word (Some, Say, Merry, etc.) corresponds to whether the nerve is sensory (S), motor (M), or both (B).
Basic Functions of Each Cranial Nerve
- Olfactory (I): Sensory, responsible for smell.
- Optic (II): Sensory, enables vision.
- Oculomotor (III): Motor, moves eyelids and adjusts pupils.
- Each mnemonic word hints at the nerve’s function and type.
Study and Memory Tips
- Visual aids and creative stories can improve recall.
- Making up your own mnemonic or story can help memorization.
- Practice repeating the mnemonics to reinforce memory.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cranial Nerves — Twelve nerves that originate from the brain and affect head/neck functions.
- Mnemonic — Memory aid, often a phrase or sentence, to help recall information.
- Sensory Nerve — Nerve that carries sensory information to the brain.
- Motor Nerve — Nerve that carries movement commands from the brain.
- Both — Nerve with both sensory and motor functions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice the provided mnemonics until you can recall all 12 cranial nerves and their types.
- Create your own mnemonic or story for better memory retention.
- Review the linked blog or video for further memory tricks and visual aids.