Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy

Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy

The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...

Brain Imaging

Brain Imaging

Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...

Cranial Nerves: Types Part I

Cranial Nerves: Types Part I

Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...

Cranial Nerves: Types Part II

Cranial Nerves: Types Part II

Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Glaucoma Diagnosis in Randomized Trials: Variability and the Need for Standardization.

Journal of glaucoma·2025

Same author

Neurohospitalist Core Competencies.

The Neurohospitalist·2024

Same author

Neurohospitalist Core Competencies: Development and Methodology.

The Neurohospitalist·2024

Same author

A New International Intersocietal Neurohospitalist Collaboration.

The Neurohospitalist·2024

Same author

Isolated Cortical Vein Thrombosis.

The Neurohospitalist·2023

Same author

Adding Nocturnal Advanced Practice Providers to an Academic Inpatient Neurology Service Improves Residents' Educational Experience.

The Neurohospitalist·2023

Same journal

Sports Neurology.

Neurologic clinics·2026

Same journal

Sports-Related Peripheral Nerve Injuries.

Neurologic clinics·2026

Same journal

Active Rehabilitation and Return to Play in Sports-Related Concussion.

Neurologic clinics·2026

Same journal

Autonomic Assessment and Management in Sports-Related Concussion.

Neurologic clinics·2026

Same journal

Management of Vestibular Symptoms in Sports-Related Concussion.

Neurologic clinics·2026

Same journal

Neuropsychological Assessment in Sport-Related Concussion: Evidence, Controversies, and Clinical Applications.

Neurologic clinics·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 3, 2026

In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears

In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears

Published on: February 21, 2018

Cranial Nerve Imaging and Pathology.

Zoltan Klimaj¹, Joshua P Klein², Gabriella Szatmary³

¹MR Research Center, Semmelweis University, Balassa utca 6, Budapest 1083, Hungary.

Neurologic Clinics

|November 26, 2019

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This review guides neuroimaging for cranial nerve diseases using a symptom-driven approach. It helps differentiate intra-axial and extra-axial causes of dysfunction for better patient diagnosis.

Keywords:

Cranial nerve imaging Cranial neuropathies Diplopia MRI of cranial nerves Neuro-ophthalmology Neuroimaging Neuroradiology Visual loss

More Related Videos

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

A Craniotomy Surgery Procedure for Chronic Brain Imaging

A Craniotomy Surgery Procedure for Chronic Brain Imaging

Published on: February 15, 2008

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jan 3, 2026

In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears

In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears

Published on: February 21, 2018

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Published on: July 5, 2021

A Craniotomy Surgery Procedure for Chronic Brain Imaging

A Craniotomy Surgery Procedure for Chronic Brain Imaging

Published on: February 15, 2008

Area of Science:

Neurology
Radiology
Medical Imaging

Background:

Cranial nerve dysfunction presents a diagnostic challenge.
Neuroimaging is crucial for identifying underlying pathologies.
A systematic approach is needed to interpret imaging findings.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a symptom-driven framework for neuroimaging of cranial nerve diseases.
To highlight characteristic imaging appearances and diagnostic pearls.
To enable differentiation between intra-axial and extra-axial causes of dysfunction.

Main Methods:

Review of neuroimaging literature focusing on cranial nerve pathologies.
Emphasis on characteristic imaging findings and exceptions.
Inclusion of adult neurology with relevant pediatric conditions.

Main Results:

Detailed descriptions of disease-specific imaging appearances.
Identification of key neuroimaging features for differential diagnosis.
Guidance on distinguishing intra-axial from extra-axial lesions affecting cranial nerves.

Conclusions:

A symptom-driven neuroimaging approach enhances diagnostic accuracy for cranial nerve disorders.
Understanding imaging pearls and exceptions is vital for effective patient management.
This review equips clinicians to appropriately utilize neuroimaging in investigating cranial nerve abnormalities.