Cranial nerves and brainstem nuclei (illustrations)

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis not applicable

Brainstem nuclei

Diagram

Illustration depicting the cranial nerves that contain motor fibers and the respective nuclei.

Oculomotor nerve

Diagram

Illustration depicting the oculomotor nerve and nucleus as well as the Edinger-Westphal nucleus.

Trochlear nerve

Diagram

Illustration depicting the trochlear nerve and nucleus.

Trigeminal nerve

Diagram

Illustration depicting the motor root of the trigeminal nerve and motor nucleus.

Abducens nerve

Diagram

Illustration depicting the abducens nerve and nucleus.

Facial nerve

Diagram

Illustration depicting the facial nerve and nucleus and nervus intermedius. 

Vestibulocochlear nerve

Diagram

Illustration depicting the vestibulocochlear nerve and nuclei.

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Diagram

Illustration depicting the glossopharyngeal nerve and nucleus ambiguus.

Vagus nerve

Diagram

Illustration depicting the vagus nerve and nucleus ambiguus and dorsal vagal nucleus. 

Accessory nerve

Diagram

Illustration depicting the accessory nerve, both cranial and spinal components. 

Hypoglossal nerve

Diagram

Illustration depicting the hypoglossal nerve and nucleus.

Case Discussion

These illustrations are adapted from the original illustration by Patrick Lynch released on Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License 2006 and available on Wikimedia commons here.

Changes were made by Frank Gaillard, and include: 

  • repositioning of Edinger-Westphal nucleus
  • adding trigeminal motor root
  • adding glossopharyngeal fibers from nucleus ambiguus
  • adding cranial accessory
  • adding vagal fibers from dorsal vagal nucleus 
  • adding parasympathetic nuclei and nerves
  • adding sensory nuclei and nerves

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.