The 12 cranial nerves are essential nerve pathways that originate in the brain and serve critical functions in the body, primarily in the head and neck. These nerves are: I. Olfactory (smell), II. Optic (vision), III. Oculomotor (eye movement), IV. Trochlear (eye movement), V. Trigeminal (facial sensation and chewing), VI. Abducent (eye movement), VII. Facial (facial expressions and taste), VIII. Vestibulocochlear (hearing and balance), IX. Glossopharyngeal (taste and swallowing), X. Vagus (c...