12.5: Cranial Nerves Last updated Save as PDF Page ID 7192 12.5A: Brief Overview of Cranial Nerves The peripheral nervous system has 12 pairs of cranial nerves that control much of the motor and sensory functions of the head and neck. 12.5B: Olfactory (I) Nerve 12.5C: Optic (II) Nerve 12.5D: Oculomotor (III) Nerve 12.5E: Trochlear (IV) Nerve 12.5F: Trigeminal (V) Nerve 12.5G: Abducens (VI) Nerve 12.5H: Facial (VII) Nerve 12.5I: Vestibulocochlear (VIII) Nerve 12.5J: Glossopharyngeal (IX) Nerve 12.5K: Vagus (X) Nerve 12.5L: Accessory (XI) Nerve 12.5M: Hypoglossal (XII) Nerve