1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Biology
Anatomy of the Brain



Cranial Nerves


Function:

  • Directs Sense Impulses Throughout the Body

  • Chewing

  • Equilibrium

  • Eye Movement, Vision

  • Facial Sensation

  • Hearing, Phonation

  • Respiration

  • Salivation, Swallowing

  • Smell

  • Taste

Location:

  • The olfactory, optic, oculomotor and trochlear cranial nerves are located in the anterior portion of the brain. The trigeminal, abducens, and facial nerves arise in the pons. The vestibulocochlear nerve arises in the inner ear and goes to the pons. The glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory and hypoglossal nerves are attached to the medulla oblongata.

Images:

  • Fascinating images of the cranial nerves.



For additional information see:


Back to Anatomy of the Brain

Explore Biology

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Biology

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.