Select the cranial nerve paired with its name correctly?

Appeared in: GMCH Chandigarh - 2019

Explanation

The twelfth cranial nerve (CN XII) is correctly identified as the hypoglossal nerve.
The hypoglossal nerve is a motor nerve that innervates the muscles of the tongue.
Its primary function is to control tongue movements essential for speech, swallowing, and chewing.

Option B: The fifth cranial nerve (CN V) is the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensation and mastication (chewing).
Option C: The second cranial nerve (CN II) is the optic nerve, which is responsible for vision.
Option D: The tenth cranial nerve (CN X) is the vagus nerve, which has extensive motor and parasympathetic functions throughout the thorax and abdomen.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Identification of cranial nerves by their corresponding number and name as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing cranial nerves is a fundamental component of a neurological examination, helping nurses and doctors localize lesions within the brain and nervous system.
A simple test for the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) is to ask the patient to stick their tongue out. If there is a lesion, the tongue will deviate towards the paralyzed side.
A nurse might test the trigeminal nerve (CN V) by checking for facial sensation with a cotton wisp and assessing the strength of the masseter muscles by asking the patient to clench their jaw.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of basic neuroanatomy.
First, read the question carefully to understand that you need to identify the one correct pairing of a cranial nerve's number and name.
Systematically evaluate each option. For each option, recall or look up the name corresponding to the given Roman numeral.
A helpful strategy for memorizing the cranial nerves is to use a mnemonic, such as 'Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet, Ah Heaven'.
Eliminate the options that present incorrect pairings.
Select the single option where the cranial nerve number and name are correctly matched.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Identification of cranial nerves by their corresponding number and name.
Stem keywords: cranial nerve, paired, name
Lead-in keywords: Select, correctly

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E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e pp. 432-434, 424-426

Practise the full GMCH Chandigarh - 2019

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