Neuroscience Exam 3 Study Guide: Cranial Nerves & Visual Pa

Neuroscience Exam 3 Study Guide: Cranial Nerves & Visual Pathways Q&A Cranial Nerves: Anatomy, Exits, and Functions (Questions 1-80) 1. Through which bony structure of the ethmoid bone do the axons of the olfactory nerve (CN I) pass to enter the cranial cavity? -ANSWER: Cribriform plate. Explanation: The olfactory nerve fibers, which are not a single nerve but numerous filaments, traverse the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone to synapse in the olfactory bulb. 2. Identify the opening in the sphenoid bone that transmits the optic nerve (CN II) and the ophthalmic artery. -ANSWER: Optic canal. Explanation: The optic canal is a dedicated foramen within the lesser wing of the sphenoid bone that allows the optic nerve and ophthalmic artery to pass from the orbit into the middle cranial fossa. 3. The oculomotor (CN III), trochlear (CN IV), and abducens (CN VI) nerves all enter the orbit through which common fissure? -ANSWER: Superior orbital fissure. Explanation: These three nerves responsible for extraocular muscle control, along with branches of the trigeminal nerve (V1) and the ophthalmic vein, pass through the superior orbital fissure, a cleft between the greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid bone. 4. The trigeminal nerve (CN V)