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Cranial Nerves Labeling Quiz: Identify and Match All 12

Quick, free cranial nerve quiz to test recall. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jitisha YadavUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for cranial nerves quiz on a golden yellow background

This quiz helps you label the 12 cranial nerves, match each to its main function, and check your recall. For related practice, explore the skull foramen quiz and muscles of facial expression quiz, or review structures with a skull labeling practice.

Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for smell?
Olfactory nerve (CN I)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Optic nerve (CN II)
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Which cranial nerve exits the skull through the optic canal?
Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
Optic nerve (CN II)
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The trochlear nerve (CN IV) innervates which extraocular muscle?
Superior oblique
Medial rectus
Inferior oblique
Lateral rectus
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Which cranial nerve provides motor innervation to the lateral rectus muscle?
Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
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The parasympathetic fibers that constrict the pupil travel with which cranial nerve?
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Trochlear nerve (CN IV)
Oculomotor nerve (CN III)
Optic nerve (CN II)
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The jaw jerk reflex primarily tests which cranial nerve division?
Trigeminal nerve ophthalmic division (V1)
Trigeminal nerve mandibular division (V3)
Trigeminal nerve maxillary division (V2)
Facial nerve (VII)
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Taste to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is carried mainly by which nerve branch?
Chorda tympani (branch of CN VII)
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Lingual branch of CN IX
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
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The corneal blink reflex afferent limb is mediated by which nerve?
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Abducens nerve (CN VI)
Trigeminal nerve ophthalmic division (V1)
Trigeminal nerve maxillary division (V2)
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Which cranial nerve exits the skull via the internal acoustic meatus and then the stylomastoid foramen?
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII)
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Lesion of the right hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) causes the protruded tongue to deviate toward which side?
Left side (contralateral)
Right side (side of lesion)
Midline with fasciculations bilaterally
No deviation
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Which cranial nerve carries parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland via the otic ganglion?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
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Which foramen transmits the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3)?
Foramen rotundum
Foramen spinosum
Superior orbital fissure
Foramen ovale
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The carotid sinus baroreceptor afferents travel with which cranial nerve?
Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
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Which cranial nerve innervates the cricothyroid muscle?
Accessory nerve (CN XI)
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (from CN X)
External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (from CN X)
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Which cranial nerve nucleus is located in the midbrain and mediates the pupillary light reflex?
Spinal trigeminal nucleus (CN V)
Edinger-Westphal nucleus (CN III)
Solitary nucleus (CN VII, IX, X)
Dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (CN X)
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The nucleus ambiguus contributes motor fibers to which cranial nerves?
CN VI and CN XII
CN IX, CN X, and cranial part of CN XI
CN III and CN IV
CN V and CN VII only
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Which cranial nerve carries general visceral afferent fibers from the mucosa of the middle ear via the tympanic nerve?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Vagus nerve (CN X)
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Which cranial nerve carries the taste fibers from the palate via the lesser palatine nerves?
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) via tympanic plexus
Vagus nerve (CN X) via superior laryngeal nerve
Facial nerve (CN VII) via greater petrosal and pterygopalatine ganglion
Trigeminal nerve (CN V) via V2
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Which ganglion houses the cell bodies of taste fibers carried by the chorda tympani?
Geniculate ganglion
Pterygopalatine ganglion
Trigeminal (semilunar) ganglion
Otic ganglion
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The sensory limb of the sneeze reflex from nasal mucosa is carried predominantly by which branch?
CN VII via greater petrosal
V2 (maxillary) via nasopalatine and posterior nasal branches
V1 via nasociliary
CN IX via tympanic nerve
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Cranial Nerves -

    Understand and recall the names and Roman numeral designations of all 12 cranial nerves, ensuring accurate recognition in both written and clinical contexts.

  2. Label Anatomical Diagrams -

    Accurately place each cranial nerve on detailed head and brainstem illustrations, reinforcing spatial awareness of their origins and exit points.

  3. Match Nerves to Functions -

    Associate each cranial nerve with its primary sensory, motor, or mixed role, sharpening your ability to link structure to physiological function.

  4. Describe Modalities -

    Explain the sensory, motor, or autonomic modalities of each nerve in concise terms, facilitating deeper understanding of their composite responsibilities.

  5. Differentiate Clinical Implications -

    Compare and contrast how lesions of specific cranial nerves present clinically, preparing you to anticipate sensory or motor deficits.

  6. Apply Knowledge to Scenarios -

    Use case-based questions to predict patient symptoms resulting from cranial nerve impairment, reinforcing practical application of anatomical knowledge.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Memorize the Sequence -

    Use the classic mnemonic "Oh, Oh, Oh, To Touch And Feel Very Green Vegetables, AH!" to lock in the order from Olfactory (I) through Hypoglossal (XII). This simple phrase is a powerhouse for acing any cranial nerves quiz and speeds up recall under time pressure. Regular rehearsal makes the sequence second nature and builds exam-day confidence.

  2. Differentiate Function Types -

    Classify each nerve as sensory, motor, or mixed using "Some Say Marry Money, But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter More." For instance, I (Olfactory) is sensory, V (Trigeminal) is mixed, and XII (Hypoglossal) is motor. Spotting these patterns simplifies labeling cranial nerves and functions during practical tests.

  3. Practice Sensory & Motor Tests -

    Associate each nerve with its exam technique: smell vials for I, visual acuity charts for II, corneal reflex for V, and facial expression checks for VII. Simulating these in lab or with peers reinforces pathways and clinical relevance. Hands-on practice turns theoretical knowledge into reliable quiz responses.

  4. Map Nuclei & Pathways -

    Sketch brainstem cross-sections to locate cranial nerve nuclei (e.g., the dorsal nucleus of X in the medulla). Linking each nerve's origin to its path enhances understanding of lesions and symptom presentations. This mapping skill is invaluable for match the cranial nerve with its main function challenges.

  5. Connect Clinical Correlations -

    Relate key pathologies: Bell's palsy (VII palsy), anosmia (I damage), and lateral gaze palsy (VI dysfunction). Recognizing these syndromes bridges anatomy to real-world diagnostics, a strategy favored by top medical schools. Applying clinical examples ensures you'll ace the cranial nerves and functions quiz with deeper insight.

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