The olfactory nerve is related to the?

Appeared in: UPRVUNL - 2021

Explanation

The olfactory nerve is Cranial Nerve I (CN I).
It is a sensory nerve that originates in the olfactory mucosa in the upper part of the nasal cavity.
Its sole function is to transmit special sensory information for the sense of smell (olfaction) to the brain.
The nerve fibers pass through the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone to synapse in the olfactory bulb.

Option A: The sense of sight is the function of the Optic nerve (Cranial Nerve II), not the Olfactory nerve.
Option C: Movement in the intestine (peristalsis) is primarily regulated by the autonomic nervous system, with the Vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X) playing a major role in parasympathetic stimulation.
Option D: General sensation from the face (touch, pain, temperature) is the primary function of the Trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve V).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Function of the Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing the sense of smell is a key part of a neurological examination. Anosmia (loss of smell) can be an early sign of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, or it can result from head trauma, particularly fractures involving the cribriform plate.
Nurses should be aware that a patient's loss of smell can also affect their sense of taste, potentially leading to poor appetite, malnutrition, and reduced quality of life.
What if? If a patient with a recent head injury complains they cannot smell their morning coffee, the nurse should suspect potential damage to the olfactory nerve or cribriform plate and report this finding promptly for further neurological evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from anatomy and physiology.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'olfactory nerve'.
Recall the 12 cranial nerves and their primary functions. The olfactory nerve is CN I.
Associate 'olfactory' with 'olfaction', which is the medical term for the sense of smell.
Evaluate the given options: 'Sight' (Optic nerve, CN II), 'Sense of smell' (Olfactory nerve, CN I), 'Movement in intestine' (Vagus nerve, CN X), and 'Facial sensation' (Trigeminal nerve, CN V).
Select the option that correctly matches the function of the olfactory nerve.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qze6k1uMrnACOXKI2DDKcY

E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 124-126

E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 233-235

E6 Physiology Review Sembulingam 5e p. 189-190

Practise the full UPRVUNL - 2021

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