The cranial nerves are a set of twelve pairs of nerves that travel to and from the brain. Each has a different function. For example, the olfactory nerve is essential for detecting smells. The ...

Cranial neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the cranial nerves in the brain or brain stem. Depending on the affected cranial nerve, people may experience different symptoms, such as weakness on ...

The hypoglossal nerve is one of the 12 cranial nerves arising from the brain. It's a paired nerve, and you have two — left and right. Together, the two hypoglossal nerves control the muscles of the ...

The vagus nerve is one of 12 cranial nerves in the body. It’s responsible for various bodily functions, including digestion, heart rate, and breathing. There are 12 cranial nerves in the body. They ...

Your nervous system is your body’s main communication network. Together with your endocrine system, it controls and maintains your body’s various functions. Additionally, it helps you to interact with ...

Medically reviewed by John Carew, MD Key Takeaways The greater petrosal nerve is a branch of the facial nerve that helps ...

Your brainstem hosts multiple cranial nerves. The facial nerve is the seventh cranial nerve. It controls your facial movements and expressions. The nerve fibers controlled by your facial nerve also ...