CRANIAL NERVE Meaning and
Definition
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A cranial nerve refers to a set of 12 pairs of nerves that arise directly from the brain or the brainstem and are responsible for transmitting sensory, motor, or both types of information to and from various parts of the head, neck, and the internal organs in the thoracic and abdominal regions. These nerves play a crucial role in controlling several bodily functions and aiding in maintaining homeostasis.
Each cranial nerve is designated a Roman numeral and a unique name according to its function or the anatomical region it innervates. They are responsible for controlling a wide range of activities in the body, including movement and coordination of the eyes, facial expressions, sense of smell, taste, swallowing, hearing, balance, and sensation in the head and neck regions.
Cranial nerves differ from spinal nerves, which emerge from the spinal cord and extend to the rest of the body. They have distinctive functions and anatomical distributions. Cranial nerves are primarily located within the cranium, with most originating from the brainstem.
Damage or dysfunction of any of the cranial nerves can lead to various neurological disorders, resulting in changes in sensory perception, motor control, or both. Disorders related to cranial nerves can range from mild and temporary to severe and chronic, depending on the type and extent of nerve damage.
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One of twelve pairs of nerves emerging from the brain or intracranial portion of the central nervous system.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CRANIAL NERVE
- xranial nerve
- vranial nerve
- franial nerve
- dranial nerve
- ceanial nerve
- cdanial nerve
- cfanial nerve
- ctanial nerve
- c5anial nerve
- c4anial nerve
- crznial nerve
- crsnial nerve
- crwnial nerve
- crqnial nerve
- crabial nerve
- cramial nerve
- crajial nerve
- crahial nerve
- cranual nerve
Etymology of CRANIAL NERVE
The word "cranial" comes from the Latin word "cranium", which means skull. The term "nerve" originates from the Latin word "nervus", meaning sinew or tendon. Combining these two words, "cranial nerve" refers to a nerve that arises directly from the brain and exits the skull. "Cranial" specifies that the nerve originates in the cranium, and "nerve" denotes its function as a bundle of fibers transmitting signals between the brain and various parts of the body.
Idioms with the word CRANIAL NERVE
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cranial nerve I
The idiom "cranial nerve I" refers to the olfactory nerve, which is responsible for the sense of smell. It is one of the twelve cranial nerves that emerge directly from the brain.
Similar spelling words for CRANIAL NERVE
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