Cranial Nerves and Foramina Flashcards

Which cranial nerve exits through the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone?

Answer: CN I (Olfactory)

The olfactory nerve (CN I) consists of multiple fila olfactoria that pass through the perforations of the cribriform plate to reach the olfactory bulb.

A tumor compressing the jugular foramen would most likely affect which set of cranial nerves?

Answer: CN IX, X, XI

The jugular foramen transmits CN IX (glossopharyngeal), CN X (vagus), and CN XI (accessory nerve), along with the sigmoid sinus becoming the internal jugular vein.

The optic canal transmits which two structures?

Answer: Optic nerve and ophthalmic artery

The optic canal transmits the optic nerve (CN II) and the ophthalmic artery, which is a branch of the internal carotid artery.

Which cranial nerve provides motor innervation to the tongue muscles (except palatoglossus)?

Answer: CN XII (Hypoglossal)

The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) innervates all intrinsic and most extrinsic tongue muscles; palatoglossus is innervated by CN X.

Which foramen is located in the posterior cranial fossa and transmits the hypoglossal nerve?

Answer: Hypoglossal canal

The hypoglossal canal (anterior condylar canal) is located in the occipital bone above the occipital condyles and transmits CN XII.

The vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) carries which functional modalities?

Answer: SSA only

CN VIII carries only special somatic afferent (SSA) fibers, conveying hearing from the cochlear division and balance from the vestibular division.

A patient with a lesion at the internal acoustic meatus would most likely present with deficits in which cranial nerves?

Answer: CN VII and VIII

The internal acoustic meatus (internal auditory canal) transmits CN VII (facial) and CN VIII (vestibulocochlear), along with the labyrinthine artery.