Unlike the spinal nerves, each of the cranial nerves has characteristics that represent the diversity of these nerves. Most PNS Neurons are bipolar are in ganglia on the cranial nerve. One component, the mesencephalic part of the trigeminal nerve has sensory neurons located within the brainstem.

• Unlike the spinal nerves, each of the cranial nerves has characteristics that represent the diversity of these nerves. Most PNS Neurons are bipolar are in ganglia on the cranial nerve. One component, the mesencephalic part of the trigeminal nerve has sensory neurons located within the brainstem.

• Olfactory Nerve- axonal receptor cells form the PNS nerve.

• Optic nerve (tract)- not a nerve but projection of the CNS

• Oculomotor Nerve- Emerges from the interpeduncular fossa

• Trochlear Nerve- Crosses dorsal midline

• Trigeminal Nerve- Somatic motor and sensory for entire head

• Abducens Nerve- Longest nerve in subarachnoid space

• Facial nerve- facial expression and taste

• Auditory/Vestibular- hair cell sensors

• Glossopharyngeal nerve- gagging and swallowing; taste

• Vagus nerve- Visceral motor & sensory innervation; taste

• Spinal Accessory nerve- Turn head and shrug the shoulders

• Hypoglossal nerve- Expels the tongue.