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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/20013.htm
Cranial Nerves
Overview
There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that come directly from the brain. Two nerves (olfactory and optic) come from the largest part of your brain (cerebrum). The other cranial nerves come from your brainstem. The nerves are named based on their function and are identified by roman numerals.
Review Date 4/10/2026
Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
