Cranial Nerves Overview

What are the functional components of the Glossopharyngeal nerve?

• Motor, Sensory, Parasympathetic

• Only Motor

• Only Sensory

• Only Parasympathetic

Answer explanation

The Glossopharyngeal nerve has three functional components: Motor fibers for muscle control, Sensory fibers for taste and sensation, and Parasympathetic fibers for glandular functions. Thus, the correct answer is Motor, Sensory, Parasympathetic.

What is the exit point from the skull for the Vagus nerve?

• Jugular foramen

• Hypoglossal canal

• Foramen magnum

• Optic canal

Answer explanation

The Vagus nerve exits the skull through the jugular foramen, along with the glossopharyngeal and accessory nerves. The other options, such as the hypoglossal canal and optic canal, are not associated with the Vagus nerve.

What type of nerve is the Accessory nerve?

• Pure Motor

• Mixed

• Sensory

• Parasympathetic

Answer explanation

The Accessory nerve (CN XI) is classified as a pure motor nerve because it primarily innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, which are responsible for head and shoulder movement, without any sensory or parasympathetic functions.

What is the deep origin of the Hypoglossal nerve?

• Motor nucleus in medulla oblongata

• Nucleus ambiguus

• Spinal trigeminal nucleus

• Dorsal motor nucleus of vagus

Answer explanation

The deep origin of the Hypoglossal nerve is the motor nucleus in the medulla oblongata, which is responsible for controlling tongue movements. The other options are associated with different cranial nerves or functions.

What are the nuclei associated with the Vagus nerve?

Answer explanation

The Vagus nerve is associated with several nuclei, primarily the nucleus ambiguus, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and the solitary nucleus. These nuclei are involved in autonomic functions and sensory processing.