Anaesthesia Fundamentals | Anatomy | Cranial Nerves and Base of Skull

Cranial Nerves and Base of Skull
Session Overview
Description
This session covers the anatomy and function of the cranial nerves and the anatomy of the base of the skull.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Recognize the origin, course and function of the 12 cranial nerves
• Identify the names of the foramina on the base of the skull and their contents

A sound knowledge of the anatomy and function of the 12 cranial nerves is important because:

• It is essential to be able to document cranial nerve function when assessing patients with neurological disease, or patients who are due to undergo neurosurgical procedures
• Testing for brainstem death depends on being able to elicit brainstem reflexes involving the cranial nerves