What are the 12 pairs of nerves that exit brain as part peripheral nervous system?
12 Pairs of Cranial Nerves
The peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves that connect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. The 12 pairs of cranial nerves are those nerves that exit the brain directly and innervate structures in the head and neck.
The 12 pairs of cranial nerves are:
1. Olfactory Nerve
2. Optic Nerve
3. Oculomotor Nerve
4. Trochlear Nerve
5. Trigeminal Nerve
6. Abducens Nerve
7. Facial Nerve
8. Vestibulocochlear Nerve
9. Glossopharyngeal Nerve
10. Vagus Nerve
11. Accessory Nerve
12. Hypoglossal Nerve
Here is a brief description of each cranial nerve:
1. Olfactory Nerve: The olfactory nerve is responsible for our sense of smell. It transmits signals from the nose to the brain.
2. Optic Nerve: The optic nerve transmits visual information from the eye to the brain.
3. Oculomotor Nerve: The oculomotor nerve controls the movement of the eye muscles, such as the superior rectus, inferior rectus, medial rectus, and inferior oblique muscles.
4. Trochlear Nerve: The trochlear nerve controls the movement of the superior oblique muscle of the eye.
5. Trigeminal Nerve: The trigeminal nerve has three branches: the ophthalmic nerve, the maxillary nerve, and the mandibular nerve. It provides sensory innervation to the face, scalp, and teeth.
6. Abducens Nerve: The abducens nerve controls the movement of the lateral rectus muscle of the eye.
7. Facial Nerve: The facial nerve controls the movement of the facial muscles, such as those involved in smiling, frowning, and blinking.
8. Vestibulocochlear Nerve: The vestibulocochlear nerve is responsible for hearing and balance.
9. Glossopharyngeal Nerve: The glossopharyngeal nerve controls the muscles of the throat involved in swallowing and taste sensation.
10. Vagus Nerve: The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve and has a wide range of functions, including controlling the muscles of the throat, heart, and digestive system.
11. Accessory Nerve: The accessory nerve controls the muscles of the neck, shoulder, and back.
12. Hypoglossal Nerve: The hypoglossal nerve controls the muscles of the tongue.