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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Cranial nerves quiz: test your CN I-XII knowledge

Quick, free cranial nerves test with 20 questions and instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Helena FungUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 11
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting Cranial Nerve Challenge trivia quiz for biology students.

This cranial nerves quiz helps you practice names, numbers, and key functions across CN I-XII. Work through 20 quick questions, then review gaps with label the cranial nerves and try a deeper cranial nerve identification quiz for structure and pathways. If you want a broader review, check out our nervous system quiz to connect brain regions with peripheral nerves.

Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of smell?
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Optic nerve (CN II)
Olfactory nerve (CN I)
The olfactory nerve (CN I) is solely dedicated to transmitting smell information. It is the first cranial nerve and plays a key role in the sense of smell.
Which cranial nerve transmits visual information from the retina to the brain?
Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Optic nerve (CN II)
The optic nerve (CN II) carries all visual information from the retina to the brain. It is essential for vision.
Which cranial nerve primarily controls most of the eye's movements and pupil constriction?
Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
The oculomotor nerve (CN III) controls most of the extraocular muscles and is also responsible for pupil constriction and accommodation. Its proper function is crucial for coordinated eye movements.
Which cranial nerve is chiefly responsible for controlling muscles for facial expressions?
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
The facial nerve (CN VII) innervates the muscles involved in facial expressions, allowing actions such as smiling and frowning. Its proper function is therefore essential for normal facial movement.
Which cranial nerve is responsible for hearing and maintaining balance?
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Olfactory nerve (CN I)
Optic nerve (CN II)
Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
The vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) carries both auditory and vestibular information from the inner ear to the brain. This dual function is essential for hearing and balance.
Which cranial nerve provides both sensory input from the face and motor control of the muscles of mastication?
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Vagus nerve (CN X)
The trigeminal nerve (CN V) carries both sensation from the face and motor signals to the muscles of mastication. This dual role makes it essential for chewing and facial sensation.
Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for controlling tongue movements?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) is responsible for the motor control of the tongue. It is critical for activities such as speaking and swallowing.
Which cranial nerve controls the lateral movement of the eye, specifically abduction?
Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
The abducens nerve (CN VI) innervates the lateral rectus muscle, which is necessary for abducting the eye. Damage to this nerve can result in difficulty moving the eye laterally.
Which cranial nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the thoracic and abdominal organs?
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
The vagus nerve (CN X) is the main parasympathetic nerve supplying the thoracic and abdominal organs, helping regulate heart rate and digestion. Its extensive role in autonomic control distinguishes it from other cranial nerves.
Which cranial nerve innervates the superior oblique muscle, facilitating downward and inward movement of the eye?
Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
The trochlear nerve (CN IV) specifically innervates the superior oblique muscle. This muscle's function in moving the eye downward and inward is critical for clear binocular vision.
Which cranial nerve transmits taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and also influences salivary secretion?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
The facial nerve (CN VII) is responsible for taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and also provides parasympathetic fibers to salivary glands. Its combined roles in taste and glandular secretion are unique among the cranial nerves.
Which cranial nerve innervates the stapedius muscle to control sound amplification in the ear?
Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
The facial nerve (CN VII) supplies motor innervation to the stapedius muscle, which dampens loud sounds by controlling the vibration of the ossicles in the middle ear. This function is important for protecting the inner ear from damage.
Damage to which cranial nerve can result in an inability to shrug the shoulders or turn the head effectively?
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
The accessory nerve (CN XI) supplies the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, which are required for head rotation and shoulder shrugging. Injury to this nerve leads to noticeable deficits in these movements.
Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for transmitting taste sensations from the posterior one-third of the tongue?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) carries taste sensations from the posterior one-third of the tongue and also plays a role in the gag reflex. Its sensory input is critical for proper taste discrimination in that region.
Which cranial nerve is particularly vulnerable to injury during middle ear surgery due to its long and intricate course in the temporal bone?
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
The facial nerve (CN VII) runs a long course through the temporal bone, particularly within the facial canal, making it susceptible to surgical injury during middle ear procedures. Damage can lead to facial paralysis and other related deficits.
A patient presents with dysphagia, hoarseness, and a diminished gag reflex. Which pair of cranial nerves is most likely involved in these symptoms?
Glossopharyngeal and Vagus nerves (CN IX and CN X)
Abducens and Hypoglossal nerves (CN VI and CN XII)
Olfactory and Optic nerves (CN I and CN II)
Trigeminal and Facial nerves (CN V and CN VII)
The glossopharyngeal (CN IX) and vagus (CN X) nerves are crucial for the gag reflex, swallowing, and phonation. Impaired function in these nerves leads to symptoms such as dysphagia and hoarseness.
A patient has lost sensation in the forehead and exhibits an absent corneal reflex. Which nerve is most likely affected?
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Ophthalmic branch of the Trigeminal nerve
The ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve is responsible for facial sensation in the forehead as well as mediating the afferent limb of the corneal reflex. Damage to this branch results in numbness and loss of the corneal reflex.
During neurosurgery, damage occurs to the nerve running through the cavernous sinus that is responsible for lateral eye movement. Which nerve is injured?
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
The abducens nerve (CN VI) passes through the cavernous sinus and innervates the lateral rectus muscle, which controls lateral eye movement. Injury to this nerve results in impaired abduction of the eye.
A patient displays impaired pupillary constriction with eye movement difficulties but retains normal visual acuity. Which cranial nerve lesion best explains these findings?
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Optic nerve (CN II)
Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
The oculomotor nerve (CN III) controls most eye movements as well as pupil constriction. Since visual acuity is maintained by the optic nerve (CN II), a lesion in CN III explains the combination of movement and pupillary defects.
Which cranial nerve bypasses the thalamus, directly projecting to the cerebral cortex to process its sensory modality?
Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
Olfactory nerve (CN I)
Optic nerve (CN II)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
The olfactory nerve (CN I) is unique among the cranial nerves because its sensory fibers project directly to the olfactory cortex without synapsing in the thalamus. This direct pathway is essential for the perception of smell.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the anatomical structure and function of cranial nerves.
  2. Identify the sensory and motor roles of individual cranial nerves.
  3. Analyze clinical scenarios involving cranial nerve impairments.
  4. Apply theoretical knowledge to practical quiz questions and exam preparation.
  5. Evaluate diagnostic processes related to cranial nerve functionality.
  6. Interpret diagrams and illustrations to reinforce nerve pathway comprehension.

Cranial & Spinal Nerves Cheat Sheet

  1. Master the 12 Cranial Nerves - Kick off your study by memorizing the names and Roman numerals of all cranial nerves, from Olfactory (I) to Hypoglossal (XII). Splitting them into small groups (I - IV, V - VIII, IX - XII) can turn a big leap into manageable steps. Soon enough, you'll be naming them like a pro!
  2. Identify Each Nerve's Function - Determine whether each nerve is sensory, motor, or both to unravel their roles in sensation and movement. For example, the Olfactory nerve (I) is purely sensory, whereas the Oculomotor nerve (III) sends motor signals to eye muscles. Understanding these roles helps you predict what happens when nerves misbehave.
  3. Use Catchy Mnemonics - Spice up your memorization with fun mnemonics like "Oh, Oh, Oh, To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet, Such A Heaven" for nerve names. Pair it with "Some Say Marry Money, But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter Most" to recall sensory vs. motor functions. These quirky phrases stick in your brain far better than rote lists!
  4. Map the Anatomical Pathways - Trace each nerve from origin to target: the Olfactory nerve (I) starts in the nasal mucosa, passing through the cribriform plate to the olfactory bulb. Visualize these routes on a skull model or diagram to lock in spatial relationships. When exam time hits, you'll picture each nerve's highway through your head!
  5. Relate Clinical Significance - Link anatomy with real-world scenarios, like how damage to the Facial nerve (VII) leads to Bell's palsy and drooping features. Imagining these clinical cases makes dry details come alive and cements your knowledge. Plus, it gives you juicy stories to tell your study group!
  6. Explore Mixed Nerve Components - Dig into nerves with dual roles, such as the Trigeminal nerve (V) that handles facial sensation and mastication muscle control. Recognizing both sensory and motor fibers helps you see the full picture of nerve function. It's like discovering a superhero nerve with secret powers!
  7. Practice Reflex Pathways - Study reflex arcs involving cranial nerves like the pupillary light reflex with the Optic (II) and Oculomotor (III) nerves. Re-enacting these reflexes on models or peers can make the mechanism memorable. Hands‑on practice helps you ace questions about reflex testing!
  8. Learn Skull Exit Points - Memorize where each nerve exits the skull, such as the Abducens nerve (VI) slipping out through the superior orbital fissure. Mapping these foramina on a skull makes you feel like a neuro‑navigator. Soon you'll point to each landmark without blinking!
  9. Understand Autonomic Roles - Dive into the Vagus nerve (X) and its parasympathetic control of heart rate, lung function, and digestion. Visualizing its long journey down to the abdomen highlights why it's nicknamed the "wandering" nerve. This clarity helps you track its huge impact on homeostasis!
  10. Quiz with Diagrams and Dissections - Reinforce your study by labeling diagrams and identifying nerves on cadaver specimens or 3D apps. Regular self-quizzing boosts retention and reveals any blind spots in your knowledge. By exam day, you'll confidently map every nerve in your sleep!
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