HealthyGrams

The functions of the cranial nerves are sensory, motor, or both. Sensory cranial nerves help a person see, smell, and hear. Conversely, motor cranial nerves help control muscle movements in the head and neck.

Each nerve has a name that reflects its function and a number according to its location in the brain. Scientists use Roman numerals from I to XII to label the cranial nerves in the brain.

The 12 cranial nerves include the:

olfactory nerve
optic nerve
oculomotor nerve
trochlear nerve
trigeminal nerve
abducens nerve
facial nerve
vestibulocochlear nerve
glossopharyngeal nerve
vagus nerve
accessory nerve
hypoglossal nerve