Start learning the names, CN numbers, foramina and pathways, fiber types and general responsibilities early. Add details with each new lesson plan. Start with the Intro to Head and Neck Innervation RAM.

• Quickly learn the basics of simple cranial nerves (e.g. CN I, II, IV, VI, VIII, XI, XII) so you can spend more time on the more complex cranial nerves (e.g. III, V, VII, IX, X)

  • • You can learn more complex nerves in bite-sized pieces.

• The Compendium of Head and Neck Innervation RAM puts all of the pieces together! It is an excellent resource and reference. Lean in to this RAM! It will help with the following tips:

  • • Know the specific kinds of nerve fibers composing each cranial nerve and the foramina/landmarks associated with each cranial nerve and its branches.

      • What are the nerves or structures that pass through each foramen or travel near landmarks?

    • What are the general targets or responsibilities of the nerves?

      • Add in details about specific branches and their targets.

      • Be able to link functions and sensory territories with foramina.

• Autonomics in the head are intimidating BUT the details can be easily synthesized. We have two study tools on this site:

  • • Do you like tables? Use the Autonomics of the Head worksheet >> to help synthesize the information. HINT there are only 4 parasympathetic nerves and 2 sympathetic nerves! 

    • Most autonomic nerves in the head hitchhike on branches of the Trigeminal nerve (CN V). 

      • Use the Trigeminal Scaffold tool (coming soon) to help organize the autonomic pathways and targets.

• Learn this information while working in tandem with your skull model, in lab study, and dissection images (when available). This will help you see the pathways as tangible and facilitate making 3D spatial relationships.

• Take note where the cranial nerves span multiple lesson plans

Sketch or talk through the cranial nerves repeatedly: 

• • Understand the nerve fibers in each nerve, the foramina, branches, and targets.

• If sketching helps you learn, you can use the cranial nerve schematics in the Compendium of Head and Neck Innervation RAM to refer to while learning to sketch each cranial nerve

  • Try using the Trigeminal Scaffold tool (coming soon) to help organize the parasympathetic nerves and their function

• Some people prefer creating a cranial nerve table to sketching – use whatever method works best for you

  • Try filling in the Autonomics of the Head worksheet >>

• Add details as you encounter them in each lesson plan

• Add donor images in this practice

• Integrate your skull to make the pathways tangible