cranial nerve

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. any of the nerves arising from the brainstem and exiting to the periphery of the head through skull openings, including 10 pairs in fish and amphibians and 12 pairs in reptiles, birds, and mammals: in humans, these are the abducens nerve, accessory nerve, auditory nerve, facial nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, hypoglossal nerve, oculomotor nerve, olfactory nerve, optic nerve, trigeminal nerve, trochlear nerve, and vagus nerve.

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cranial nerve British  

noun

1. any of the 12 paired nerves that have their origin in the brain and reach the periphery through natural openings in the skull

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cranial nerve Scientific  

1. Any of the 12 pairs of nerves in humans and other mammals that connect the muscles and sensory organs of the head and upper chest directly to the brain through openings in the skull. The cranial nerves include the optic nerve and the auditory nerve.

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Etymology

Origin of cranial nerve

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

I don’t drive because treatment for a brain tumor caused swelling that impacted my cranial nerves, corrupting my balance, motor skills, and causing my eyes to bounce.

From The Verge

This quick coordinated action between the brain, cranial nerves and kidneys is far more efficient and precise than any phone app, gadget or personalized recommendation available.

From Washington Post

Kelly Stafford said an MRI showed she has acoustic neuroma, which is a benign tumor, that is abutting her cranial nerves.

From Reuters

I had a tumor sitting on some of my cranial nerves.

From Los Angeles Times

She says an MRI showed the tumor on cranial nerves after she had vertigo spells within the last year.

From Washington Times