12 cranial nerves

Your 12 cranial nerves each have a specific function. Experts categorize the cranial nerves based on number and function:

1.Olfactory nerve: Sense of smell.

2.Optic nerve: Ability to see.

Oculomotor nerve: Ability to move and blink your eyes.

3.Trochlear nerve: Ability to move your eyes up and down or back and forth.

4.Trigeminal nerve: Sensations in your face and cheeks, taste and jaw movements.

5.Abducens nerve: Ability to move your eyes.

6.Facial nerve: Facial expressions and sense of taste.

7.Auditory/vestibular nerve: Sense of hearing and balance.

8.Glossopharyngeal nerve: Ability to taste and swallow.

9.Vagus nerve: Digestion and heart rate.

10.Accessory nerve (or spinal accessory nerve): Shoulder and neck muscle movement.

12.Hypoglossal nerve: Ability to move your tongue