Function of optic nerve is :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

The optic nerve (Cranial Nerve II) is a sensory nerve dedicated to vision.
It acts as the pathway for transmitting visual stimuli from the retina at the back of the eye to the visual cortex in the brain.
This transmission of information is what allows the brain to process and interpret images, resulting in the sense of sight.
Damage to the optic nerve can lead to various degrees of visual impairment, including complete blindness in the affected eye.

Option A: The sense of smell (olfaction) is the function of the first cranial nerve, the Olfactory nerve (CN I), not the optic nerve.
Option C: The muscles used for chewing (mastication) are innervated by the motor component of the fifth cranial nerve, the Trigeminal nerve (CN V).
Option D: This is a broad term. If it refers to eye movement, that function is controlled by three different cranial nerves: Oculomotor (CN III), Trochlear (CN IV), and Abducens (CN VI). General body movement is controlled by spinal nerves.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Function of Cranial Nerve II (Optic Nerve) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing optic nerve function is a fundamental part of a neurological examination. This includes testing visual acuity (using a Snellen chart), visual fields, and pupillary light reflexes.
Damage to the optic nerve, a condition known as optic neuropathy, can be caused by glaucoma, inflammation (optic neuritis), tumors, or trauma, leading to vision loss.
A key diagnostic sign a nurse might observe is papilledema (swelling of the optic disc), which can indicate increased intracranial pressure and requires urgent medical attention.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of neuroanatomy.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'optic nerve'.
Recall the 12 cranial nerves and their primary functions. A mnemonic can be helpful, such as 'On Old Olympus' Towering Tops, A Finn And German Viewed Some Hops'.
Associate 'optic' with vision or sight. The term 'optician' or 'optical' can be a helpful memory aid.
Evaluate the given options. 'Vision' directly matches the known function of the optic nerve.
Eliminate the other options by recalling which nerves are responsible for them: Smell (Olfactory - CN I), Chewing (Trigeminal - CN V), and Eye Movement (Oculomotor, Trochlear, Abducens - CN III, IV, VI).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 425-427

E6 Medicine Macleod Clinical Examination 15e p. 150-152

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 125-127

Practise the full IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.