Anatomy Exam Cranial Nerves and Foramina 5

Question 1

Which cranial nerve carries general somatic afferent (GSA) fibers from the skin of the external ear and external auditory meatus?

Accepted Answer

CN X (Vagus) via auricular branch

Answer

The auricular branch of the vagus nerve (Arnold's nerve) provides GSA innervation to the skin of the external ear and posterior external auditory meatus.

Question 2

Which functional fiber type is carried exclusively by CN II (Optic nerve)?

Accepted Answer

Special somatic afferent (SSA)

Answer

The optic nerve carries only special somatic afferent (SSA) fibers conveying vision from the retina.

Question 3

The tympanic nerve, a branch of CN IX, carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that eventually synapse in which ganglion?

Accepted Answer

Otic ganglion

Answer

The tympanic nerve (Jacobson's nerve) forms the tympanic plexus, which becomes the lesser petrosal nerve synapsing in the otic ganglion to provide secretomotor innervation to the parotid gland.

Question 4

Which cranial nerve is tested by asking a patient to look toward the tip of their nose (extreme adduction) to detect a superior oblique palsy?

Accepted Answer

CN IV (Trochlear)

Answer

The trochlear nerve (CN IV) innervates the superior oblique muscle; in adduction, the superior oblique acts as an intorter/depressor, revealing CN IV palsy as vertical diplopia.

Question 5

The superior orbital fissure transmits all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

CN II (Optic nerve)

Answer

The optic nerve passes through the optic canal, not the superior orbital fissure; CN III, IV, V1, VI, and the ophthalmic veins pass through the superior orbital fissure.

Anatomy Exam Practice Test

Anatomy Exam Practice Test

Anatomy Exam Cranial Nerves and Foramina 5