Cranial and Spinal Nerves MCQ - Practice Questions with Answers

Cranial Nerves

• Cranial nerves are the 12 nerves of the peripheral nervous system that emerge from the foramina and fissures of the cranium. 
• Their numerical order (1-12) is determined by their skull exit location.
• All cranial nerves originate from nuclei in the brain. 
• Two originate from the forebrain (Olfactory and Optic), one has a nucleus in the spinal cord (Accessory) while the remainder originate from the brainstem.
   

Spinal Nerves

• The spinal nerves are formed by the union of the dorsal and ventral roots after they leave the spinal cord.
• Each spinal nerve has an efferent and afferent nerve fibres. 
• All the spinal nerves are mixed nerves.
• There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves named and numbered according to the vertebrae of the vertebral column. 
• After passing through the intervertebral foramen, each spinal nerve separates into anterior and posterior branches. 
• The posterior branches innervate the muscles and skin.
• The anterior branches innervate the limbs.
• At the base of the spinal column, near the first lumbar vertebra, is a collection of nerves called the cauda equina. 
• They are called this because they resemble a horse's tail. 
• Just above the cauda equina, the spinal cord ends and it continues on as this collection of spinal nerves through the vertebral canal.
• Certain spinal nerves join to form the following plexuses:

                        - Brachial plexus: It connects the chest and arm
                        - Lumbar plexus: it innervates the leg
                        - Sacral plexus: it connects the pelvic region
                        - Coccygeal plexus: also innervates the pelvic region