cranial nerve

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.

cranial nerve

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

cranial nerve

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cranial nerve¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Hicks was part of a team that analyzed some of these miRNAs that are released into saliva by cranial nerves in the head.

From Science News For Students

I have given a figure of the development of a posterior root of a cranial nerve in fig.

From Project Gutenberg

This scheme may be advantageously compared with that of a typical cranial nerve according to Gegenbaur.

From Project Gutenberg

The cranial nerve-trunks also are liable to be pressed upon.

From Project Gutenberg

Each cranial nerve is typically placed immediately behind the head-cavity of its somite.

From Project Gutenberg

Another symptom denoting paresis of the cranial nerve-centres is a marked change in the expression of the face.

From Project Gutenberg