The 12 cranial nerves in the human brain

Olfactory Nerve (CN I): This nerve is all about smell. It carries sensory information from the nose to the brain, allowing you to detect and distinguish different odors.

Optic Nerve (CN II): Essential for vision, this nerve transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. It enables you t...

Olfactory Nerve (CN I): This nerve is all about smell. It carries sensory information from the nose to the brain, allowing you to detect and distinguish different odors.

Optic Nerve (CN II): Essential for vision, this nerve transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. It enables you to see and process visual stimuli.

Oculomotor Nerve (CN III): This one controls most of the eye's movements, including constriction of the pupil and maintaining an open eyelid.

Trochlear Nerve (CN IV): This nerve innervates the superior oblique muscle of the eye, which helps with rotational movement.

Trigeminal Nerve (CN V): A major nerve for sensation in the face and motor functions like biting and chewing. It has three branches: ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular.

Abducens Nerve (CN VI): Controls the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, which is responsible for outward gaze.

Facial Nerve (CN VII): This nerve is responsible for facial expressions, taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and controlling some glands.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve (CN VIII): It deals with hearing and balance. It transmits sound and equilibrium information from the inner ear to the brain.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX): Involved in taste and other functions of the throat and tongue. It also plays a role in swallowing and the gag reflex.

Vagus Nerve (CN X): This is a very versatile nerve, involved in functions ranging from heart rate and digestion to sweating and muscle movements in the mouth.

Accessory Nerve (CN XI): Controls specific muscles of the shoulder and neck.

Hypoglossal Nerve (CN XII): Essential for tongue movements.
Olfactory Nerve (CN I): This nerve is all about smell.