Nerve
Olfactory nerve (CN I)
Sense of smell
High-yield
Purely sensory (smell); fibres pass through the cribriform plate of the ethmoid. Cribriform fracture → anosmia and CSF rhinorrhea.
Overview
The first cranial nerve, carrying the special sense of smell from the nasal mucosa through the cribriform plate to the olfactory bulb.
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Reference facts
- Roots
- Special sensory (cranial nerve)
- Course
- Olfactory receptor neurons in the nasal roof project through the cribriform plate to the olfactory bulb and tract
- Motor
- No motor supply - this nerve is purely sensory.
- Sensory
- Smell (olfaction) from the nasal mucosa
Frequently asked questions
What type of nerve is the olfactory nerve (CN I)?
The olfactory nerve (CN I) is special sensory (cranial nerve).
What muscles does the olfactory nerve (CN I) supply?
No motor supply - this nerve is purely sensory.
What is the sensory distribution of the olfactory nerve (CN I)?
The olfactory nerve (CN I) carries sensation from the smell (olfaction) from the nasal mucosa.
What is the course of the olfactory nerve (CN I)?
Olfactory receptor neurons in the nasal roof project through the cribriform plate to the olfactory bulb and tract.