Cranial Nerves and Their Functions

Front

Olfactory nerve I

Back

Responsible for the sense of smell.

Front

Optic nerve II

Back

Responsible for vision.

Front

Oculomotor nerve III

Back

Controls most of the eye's movements, including constriction of the pupil.

Front

Trochlear nerve IV

Back

Controls the superior oblique muscle, which is responsible for downward and lateral eye movement.

Front

Trigeminal nerve V

Back

Responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.

Front

Abducens nerve VI

Back

Controls the lateral rectus muscle, responsible for outward eye movement.

Front

Facial nerve VII

Back

Controls the muscles of facial expression and functions in the sense of taste for the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

Front

Vestibulocochlear nerve VIII

Back

Responsible for hearing and balance.

Front

Glossopharyngeal nerve IX

Back

Responsible for taste and swallowing.

Front

Vagus nerve X

Back

Provides sensory information for internal organs and controls functions such as heart rate and digestion.