What nerves connect directly to the brain?

Olfactory nerves

* Transmit sensory information related to smell from the nose to the brain.

Optic nerves

* Transmit visual information from the eyes to the brain.

Oculomotor nerves

* Control eye movement.

Trochlear nerves

* Control the superior oblique muscles, which play a role in eye movement.

Abducens nerves

* Control the lateral rectus muscles, which allow the eyes to move outward.

Trigeminal nerves

* Transmit sensory information from the face, including touch, temperature, and pain, to the brain. Motor functions of the trigeminal nerve include chewing and biting.

Facial nerves

* Control facial expressions, as well as taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and secretion of tears and saliva.

Vestibulocochlear nerves

* Transmit information related to hearing and balance from the inner ear to the brain.

Glossopharyngeal nerves

* Transmit sensory information from the back of the tongue, tonsils, pharynx, and carotid body, as well as taste information from the posterior third of the tongue. Motor functions of the glossopharyngeal nerve include swallowing and salivation.

Vagus nerves

* Transmit sensory information from the larynx, trachea, lungs, heart, esophagus, stomach, and intestines, and control various muscles of these organs, including those involved in digestion, respiration, and heart rate.

Accessory nerves

* Control the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, which play a role in neck and shoulder movement.

Hypoglossal nerves

* Control tongue movement.