Cranial nerves
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Cranial nerves are nerves that emerge directly from the brain, including the brainstem, in contrast to spinal nerves, which emerge from segments of the spinal cord. They relay information between the
View of the human brain from below showing the cranial nerves on an autopsy specimen
The facial nerve (VII) supplies the muscles of facial expression. Damage to the nerve causes a lack of muscle tone on the affected side, as can be seen on the right side of the face here.
The hypoglossal nerve (XII) supplies the muscles of the tongue. A damaged hypoglossal nerve will result in an inability to stick the tongue out straight; here seen in an injury resulting from branchial cyst surgery.
Vagus nerve
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The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, plays a crucial role in the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating involuntary functions within the human body. This nerv
Cranial nerves
…III), trochlear nerve (IV), trigeminal nerve (V), abducens nerve (VI), facial nerve (VII), vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII), glossopharyngeal nerve (IX), vagus nerve (X), accessory nerve (XI), and the hypoglossal nerve (XII). Cranial nerves are generally named according to their structure or function. For example…
Vagus nerve
Vagus nerve
H&E stained fibers of the vagus nerve (bottom right) innervate the sinoatrial node tissue (middle left).
Vagus nerve – dissection