Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for the sense of smell?

Which of the following cranial nerves is responsible for the sense of smell?

• A. Optic
• B. Oculomotor
• C. Olfactory
• D. Trigeminal

Answer: (C)

The olfactory nerve is specifically tasked with the sense of smell, making it the correct answer to this question. This cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the nasal cavity to the brain, allowing individuals to perceive and identify different odors. The olfactory nerve is unique among cranial nerves in that it is the only one associated with a special sense—smell—which has a direct connection to the brain's limbic system, playing a key role in emotional response and memory associated with different scents. In contrast, the optic nerve is primarily involved in vision, conveying visual information from the retina to the brain. The oculomotor nerve controls eye movements and pupil constriction, but has no role in sensory perception of smell. Lastly, the trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing, but it does not contribute to the sense of smell. Therefore, the olfactory nerve’s dedicated function in olfaction sets it apart, affirming it as the correct choice in this context.

The olfactory nerve is specifically tasked with the sense of smell, making it the correct answer to this question. This cranial nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the nasal cavity to the brain, allowing individuals to perceive and identify different odors. The olfactory nerve is unique among cranial nerves in that it is the only one associated with a special sense—smell—which has a direct connection to the brain's limbic system, playing a key role in emotional response and memory associated with different scents.

In contrast, the optic nerve is primarily involved in vision, conveying visual information from the retina to the brain. The oculomotor nerve controls eye movements and pupil constriction, but has no role in sensory perception of smell. Lastly, the trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing, but it does not contribute to the sense of smell. Therefore, the olfactory nerve’s dedicated function in olfaction sets it apart, affirming it as the correct choice in this context.