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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Circle of Willis quiz with cranial nerve identification

Quick, free cranial nerves quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Nahla MosesUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Circle of Willis and cranial nerves quiz on teal background

This quiz helps you practice the Circle of Willis and identify cranial nerves with quick, focused questions. Build recall, then check your vessel labels in the circle of Willis anatomy quiz, sharpen naming with a cranial nerve identification quiz, or drill diagrams as you label the cranial nerves.

Which artery connects the two anterior cerebral arteries in the Circle of Willis?
Anterior communicating artery
Posterior communicating artery
Middle cerebral artery
Basilar artery
The anterior communicating artery is the short vessel that directly links the left and right anterior cerebral arteries, completing the anterior portion of the Circle of Willis. This connection allows collateral blood flow between the two hemispheres. Aneurysms in this artery are the most common type in the Circle of Willis. .
Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of smell?
Optic nerve (II)
Facial nerve (VII)
Trigeminal nerve (V)
Olfactory nerve (I)
The olfactory nerve (CN I) consists of sensory fibers that detect odorants in the nasal cavity and transmit smell information to the brain. It is unique among cranial nerves for its direct projection to the cerebral cortex without synapsing in the thalamus first. Lesions of CN I result in anosmia. .
Which cranial nerve controls the lateral rectus muscle, abducting the eye?
Abducens nerve (VI)
Trochlear nerve (IV)
Oculomotor nerve (III)
Facial nerve (VII)
The abducens nerve (CN VI) innervates the lateral rectus muscle, which moves the eye laterally (abduction). Damage to CN VI leads to an inability to move the eye outward, causing horizontal diplopia. It emerges at the pontomedullary junction and has a long intracranial course, making it vulnerable to increased intracranial pressure. .
Which artery of the Circle of Willis primarily supplies the occipital lobe?
Middle cerebral artery
Superior cerebellar artery
Anterior cerebral artery
Posterior cerebral artery
The posterior cerebral artery (PCA) supplies the occipital lobe, including the primary visual cortex, as well as the inferior temporal lobe. It originates from the basilar artery and completes the posterior portion of the Circle of Willis. Infarction of the PCA often causes contralateral homonymous hemianopia with macular sparing. .
Which cranial nerve provides sensory innervation to the face and the muscles of mastication?
Vagus nerve (X)
Trigeminal nerve (V)
Facial nerve (VII)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is the major sensory nerve of the face and also has a motor branch that innervates the muscles of mastication. It has three divisions: ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular. Lesions can cause facial numbness or difficulty chewing. .
Which of the following vessels is not a component of the Circle of Willis?
Middle cerebral artery
Anterior communicating artery
Posterior cerebral artery
Internal carotid artery
The middle cerebral artery (MCA) is not part of the Circle of Willis; it is a direct continuation of the internal carotid artery supplying the lateral cerebral hemispheres. The Circle itself consists of anterior and posterior cerebral arteries, the internal carotids, and the communicating arteries. The MCA lies outside this ring system. .
The internal carotid artery gives rise directly to which vessel within the Circle of Willis?
Basilar artery
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery
Superior cerebellar artery
Anterior cerebral artery
Within the Circle of Willis, the internal carotid artery bifurcates into the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and the middle cerebral artery (MCA). The ACA then proceeds medially to supply the medial frontal lobes. The basilar artery and cerebellar arteries arise from the vertebrobasilar system. .
Which cranial nerve innervates the muscles of facial expression?
Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
Facial nerve (VII)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
Trigeminal nerve (V)
The facial nerve (CN VII) controls the muscles of facial expression, including those around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. It exits the brainstem at the cerebellopontine angle and travels through the facial canal. Bell's palsy is a common disorder of this nerve. Learn about facial nerve functions.
Through which foramen does the hypoglossal nerve exit the skull?
Jugular foramen
Foramen rotundum
Hypoglossal canal
Foramen ovale
The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) exits the skull through the hypoglossal canal, located in the occipital bone near the foramen magnum. It then innervates intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles. Lesions cause ipsilateral tongue deviation. .
Which artery supplies the medial surface of the frontal and parietal lobes?
Anterior cerebral artery
Anterior communicating artery
Posterior cerebral artery
Middle cerebral artery
The anterior cerebral artery (ACA) supplies the medial aspects of the frontal and parietal lobes, including the leg and foot areas of the motor and sensory cortices. Its A1 and A2 segments form the anterior portion of the Circle of Willis. Occlusion leads to contralateral lower limb weakness. .
Which cranial nerve carries taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?
Vagus nerve (X)
Trigeminal nerve (V)
Facial nerve (VII)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
The chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) carries taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. General sensory innervation of that region is by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3). Glossopharyngeal (IX) handles taste in the posterior third. .
The posterior communicating artery connects the internal carotid artery to which vessel in the Circle of Willis?
Posterior cerebral artery
Middle cerebral artery
Anterior cerebral artery
Basilar artery
The posterior communicating artery bridges the internal carotid artery and the posterior cerebral artery, completing the posterior part of the Circle. This connection allows collateral flow between the anterior and posterior circulation. Variability in its size can affect stroke patterns. .
A lesion of the oculomotor nerve commonly results in which characteristic eye position?
Eye positioned 'down and out'
Eye cannot abduct
Eye slightly elevated
Eye deviated medially
Oculomotor nerve (CN III) palsy leads to unopposed action of the lateral rectus and superior oblique muscles, causing the eye to rest "down and out." Ptosis and pupillary dilation are also typical because CN III innervates levator palpebrae and the sphincter pupillae. .
Which branch of the trigeminal nerve passes through the foramen rotundum?
Maxillary division (V2)
Ophthalmic division (V1)
Mandibular division (V3)
Facial nerve branch
The maxillary division (V2) of the trigeminal nerve exits the skull through the foramen rotundum to supply sensation to the midface. V1 passes through the superior orbital fissure, and V3 uses the foramen ovale. Knowledge of these pathways is critical in trigeminal neuralgia. .
Which cranial nerve carries parasympathetic fibers to the lacrimal gland?
Trigeminal nerve (V)
Facial nerve (VII)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
Oculomotor nerve (III)
The facial nerve (CN VII) provides secretomotor fibers to the lacrimal gland via the greater petrosal nerve and pterygopalatine ganglion. Oculomotor (III) carries parasympathetics to the pupil and ciliary body, glossopharyngeal (IX) to the parotid gland, and trigeminal (V) is primarily sensory. .
Aneurysms are most frequently found at which location in the Circle of Willis?
Anterior communicating artery
Superior cerebellar artery
Basilar tip
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery
The anterior communicating artery is the most common site for berry aneurysms in the Circle of Willis, accounting for over 40% of cases. Its small diameter and high hemodynamic stress predispose it to saccular aneurysm formation. Rupture leads to subarachnoid hemorrhage. .
Which cranial nerve emerges between the pons and medulla at the pontomedullary junction?
Trigeminal nerve (V)
Facial nerve (VII)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
Abducens nerve (VI)
The abducens nerve (CN VI) emerges from the brainstem at the pontomedullary junction, medial to the facial nerve root. It then travels upward through the cavernous sinus to the superior orbital fissure. Lesions here cause lateral gaze palsy. .
The vertebral arteries unite to form which vessel?
Middle cerebral artery
Posterior cerebral artery
Basilar artery
Internal carotid artery
The two vertebral arteries ascend through the transverse foramina of the cervical vertebrae and fuse at the pontomedullary junction to form the basilar artery. The basilar then gives off branches including the PCA, AICA, and Superior cerebellar. .
Which branch of the basilar artery supplies the superior aspect of the cerebellum?
Labyrinthine artery
Anterior inferior cerebellar artery
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery
Superior cerebellar artery
The superior cerebellar artery (SCA) arises just before the basilar artery bifurcates into the PCAs. It supplies the superior part of the cerebellum and parts of the midbrain. Infarction leads to ipsilateral ataxia. .
A lesion of the abducens nerve results in which deficit?
Inability to abduct the eye
Loss of smell
Facial droop
Ptosis
Damage to the abducens nerve (CN VI) prevents activation of the lateral rectus muscle, so the patient cannot abduct the affected eye. This causes horizontal diplopia that worsens when looking toward the side of the lesion. .
Which foramen transmits the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3)?
Foramen rotundum
Foramen spinosum
Jugular foramen
Foramen ovale
The mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve exits the skull through the foramen ovale. It carries both sensory fibers to the lower face and motor fibers to the muscles of mastication. V2 uses the foramen rotundum, and V1 uses the superior orbital fissure. .
In the 'fetal PCA' variant, the posterior cerebral artery predominantly originates from which vessel?
Internal carotid artery via posterior communicating artery
Vertebral artery
Basilar artery
Anterior cerebral artery
In the fetal PCA variant, the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) arises mainly from the internal carotid artery through a large posterior communicating artery, with a small or absent P1 segment from the basilar. This variant can influence patterns of cerebral infarction. .
The ophthalmic artery is the first branch of which intracranial artery?
External carotid artery
Internal carotid artery
Middle cerebral artery
Basilar artery
The ophthalmic artery branches from the intracranial portion of the internal carotid artery just after it emerges from the cavernous sinus. It supplies the orbit and parts of the face and scalp. Its origin is critical in interventions for carotid aneurysms. .
Which reflex tests the sensory function of the ophthalmic division and motor function of the facial nerve?
Gag reflex
Pupillary light reflex
Jaw-jerk reflex
Corneal reflex
The corneal reflex involves the trigeminal ophthalmic division (V1) sensing touch on the cornea and the facial nerve (VII) mediating the blink response. Absence of the blink indicates a lesion in either the afferent (V1) or efferent (VII) pathway. .
Which segment of the anterior cerebral artery lies between the anterior communicating artery and its branching point?
A1 segment
A4 segment
A2 segment
A3 segment
The A2 segment of the anterior cerebral artery extends distal to the anterior communicating artery toward the pericallosal region. The A1 segment lies between the internal carotid bifurcation and the anterior communicating artery. Detailed knowledge of these segments is important in aneurysm localization. .
Which cranial nerve contains preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that synapse in the otic ganglion?
Facial nerve (VII)
Oculomotor nerve (III)
Vagus nerve (X)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve travel via the tympanic nerve and lesser petrosal nerve to synapse in the otic ganglion. Postganglionic fibers then innervate the parotid gland. This pathway is distinct from VII and III parasympathetic routes. .
The nucleus ambiguus gives motor output to which cranial nerves?
Glossopharyngeal (IX) and Vagus (X)
Accessory (XI) only
Hypoglossal (XII) only
Facial (VII) and Trigeminal (V)
The nucleus ambiguus in the medulla provides branchial motor fibers to the glossopharyngeal (IX) and vagus (X) nerves, innervating pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles. Lesions cause dysphagia and dysphonia. It does not innervate XII or XI. Nucleus ambiguus functions.
Which artery supplies the lateral surface of the temporal and parietal lobes, often involved in watershed infarcts?
Anterior inferior cerebellar artery
Anterior cerebral artery
Middle cerebral artery
Posterior cerebral artery
The middle cerebral artery (MCA) supplies the lateral surfaces of the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. Watershed infarcts can occur between MCA and ACA or MCA and PCA territories when perfusion is low. The MCA is the most commonly affected vessel in stroke. .
Damage to the Edinger - Westphal nucleus would affect which function?
Swallowing
Hearing
Pupillary constriction (parasympathetic)
Shoulder elevation
The Edinger - Westphal nucleus is the parasympathetic component of the oculomotor complex in the midbrain that controls pupillary constriction and lens accommodation. Lesions lead to a dilated pupil and loss of light reflex. .
Which cranial nerve arises from the dorsal aspect of the brainstem?
Facial nerve (VII)
Trochlear nerve (IV)
Oculomotor nerve (III)
Trigeminal nerve (V)
The trochlear nerve (CN IV) is unique as the only cranial nerve that exits the brainstem dorsally, just below the inferior colliculus. It innervates the superior oblique muscle. Injury leads to vertical diplopia. .
A posterior communicating artery aneurysm is most likely to compress which cranial nerve?
Facial nerve (VII)
Oculomotor nerve (III)
Trochlear nerve (IV)
Abducens nerve (VI)
Aneurysms of the posterior communicating artery often expand laterally and compress the oculomotor nerve as it passes between the PCA and the superior cerebellar artery. This results in ipsilateral pupil dilation and ptosis. .
In proximal internal carotid artery occlusion, which collateral pathway via the Circle of Willis helps maintain perfusion to the anterior cerebral artery territory?
Contralateral ACA via anterior communicating artery
Ipsilateral PCA via posterior communicating artery
Direct flow from basilar artery
Vertebral artery via PICA
When the internal carotid is occluded proximally, blood can cross from the opposite side through the anterior communicating artery to perfuse the distal ACA territories. This anterior cross?flow is a key collateral mechanism in the Circle of Willis. .
Which cranial nerve uniquely exits the brainstem dorsally at the level of the inferior colliculus and may be affected by a PCA infarct?
Facial nerve (VII)
Abducens nerve (VI)
Oculomotor nerve (III)
Trochlear nerve (IV)
The trochlear nerve (CN IV) is the only nerve to exit dorsally, just below the inferior colliculus of the midbrain. PCA infarcts in this region can compromise the nerve's nucleus or fascicles, causing vertical diplopia. .
In subclavian steal syndrome, retrograde flow enters the cerebral circulation via which artery of the Circle of Willis?
Middle cerebral artery
Superior cerebellar artery
Anterior communicating artery
Posterior communicating artery
Subclavian steal causes reversed flow in the vertebral artery, which then enters the basilar artery and travels via the posterior communicating artery into the internal carotid system, supplying anterior circulation. The PComm is the critical posterior-anterior collateral link. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Vessels of the Circle of Willis -

    After completing the quiz, you will be able to accurately spot and name each arterial branch comprising the Circle of Willis on schematic diagrams and radiological images.

  2. Label Circle of Willis Components -

    You will gain hands-on practice in placing correct labels on each segment of the Circle of Willis, reinforcing spatial relationships between its anterior, middle, and posterior circulations.

  3. Name Cranial Nerves I - VI -

    Participants will be able to recall and list the first six cranial nerves by their numeric order and official names, from Olfactory to Abducens.

  4. Differentiate Sensory and Motor Functions -

    You'll learn to distinguish the primary sensory, motor, or mixed roles of cranial nerves I through VI, enhancing functional understanding.

  5. Apply Neuroanatomical Labeling Skills -

    Through interactive exercises, you will practice applying labeling techniques to both textbook-style diagrams and clinical imaging of the brain's vasculature and nerves.

  6. Boost Confidence in Neuroanatomy -

    By the end of the quiz, you'll build stronger recall and feel more assured in identifying vascular and neural structures for academic or clinical purposes.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Anatomical Components of the Circle of Willis -

    The circle of willis cranial nerves quiz often begins by identifying all seven key vessels: the anterior cerebral arteries (ACAs), anterior communicating artery (AComm), internal carotid arteries (ICAs), posterior communicating arteries (PComms) and posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs). According to Gray's Anatomy (41st Ed.), this polygonal ring provides crucial collateral flow if one artery is compromised. Visualizing the "A-P-P-P-I-I" sequence on diagrams helps cement each vessel's position.

  2. Anterior vs Posterior Circulation Territories -

    Understanding blood supply division is essential for the circle of willis and cranial nerves link; ACA lesions often produce contralateral leg weakness, while PCA strokes cause homonymous hemianopia. University of Michigan neurology resources outline how MCA involvement leads to facial and arm deficits, making clinical localization more intuitive. Map these territories on a brain silhouette to sharpen pattern recognition before a circle of willis labeling quiz.

  3. Common Anatomical Variations and Their Impact -

    Research in the Journal of Neuroanatomy indicates up to 50% of people exhibit a fetal-origin PCA or hypoplastic AComm, altering collateral capacity. Recognizing these variants during angiography can inform prognosis and therapeutic decisions in stroke care. Practice spotting asymmetries on sample MRAs to prepare for a cranial nerve identification quiz with vascular imaging correlates.

  4. Cranial Nerve Identification Mnemonics -

    Memorize all 12 nerves in order with "Oh Oh Oh, To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet, AH" and classify each as sensory (S), motor (M) or both (B) using "Some Say Marry Money But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter Most." Pair each nerve's name with a key function - e.g., CN II for vision and CN X for parasympathetic control - to deepen retention. Testing yourself with flashcards that mix name, number and function is a proven strategy from Harvard Medical School study guides.

  5. Hands-On Examination Techniques -

    For a successful cranial nerves labelling quiz, master clinical tests like the corneal reflex (V1 & VII), facial strength grading (VII) and Weber/Rinne tuning fork methods (VIII). The American Academy of Neurology recommends a structured checklist to ensure consistency and accuracy when assessing each modality. Role-play these exams with peers, scoring each other to build confidence and fluency.

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