Damage to the VII cranial nerve results in:
A. Facial pain
B. Absence of ability to smell
C. Absence of eye movement
D. Tinnitus
Correct Answer: A. Facial pain
The facial nerve is cranial nerve VII. If damage occurs, the client will experience facial pain. The sensory portion, or intermediate nerve, has the following components: (1) taste to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue; (2) secretory and vasomotor fibers to the lacrimal gland, the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, and the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands; (3) cutaneous sensory impulses from the external auditory meatus and region back of the ear.
Option B: Olfactory nerve controls smell, and it is cranial nerve I. The olfactory nerve is the first cranial nerve and is instrumental in our sense of smell. The olfactory nerve contains only afferent sensory nerve fibers and, like all cranial nerves, is paired. The olfactory nerve is the shortest cranial nerve, and along with the optic nerve is one of the only two cranial nerves that do not converge with the brainstem.
Option C: Eye movement is controlled by the Trochlear or C IV. The trochlear nerve is the fourth cranial nerve (CN IV) and one of the ocular motor nerves that controls eye movement. The trochlear nerve, while the smallest of the cranial nerves, has the longest intracranial course as it is the only nerve to have a dorsal exit from the brainstem. It originates in the midbrain and extends laterally and anteriorly to the superior oblique muscle.
Option D: The vestibulocochlear nerve or CN VIII is responsible for hearing loss and tinnitus. The vestibulocochlear nerve, also known as cranial nerve eight (CN VIII), consists of the vestibular and cochlear nerves. Each nerve has distinct nuclei within the brainstem. The vestibular nerve is primarily responsible for maintaining body balance and eye movements, while the cochlear nerve is responsible for hearing.