Which cranial nerve carries the sense of smell?

Which cranial nerve carries the sense of smell?

• A. Olfactory nerve (I)
• B. Optic nerve (II)
• C. Oculomotor nerve (III)
• D. Trochlear nerve (IV)

Answer: (A)

Smell is carried by the olfactory nerve, the first cranial nerve. It starts with olfactory receptor neurons in the nasal mucosa; their axons pass through the cribriform plate into the olfactory bulb, where the signal begins its journey to higher brain areas—the piriform cortex and limbic regions—linking odors with memories and emotions. This pathway is dedicated to olfactory sensation, whereas the optic nerve handles vision and the oculomotor and trochlear nerves control most eye movements and pupil function. So, the olfactory nerve is the one responsible for the sense of smell.

Smell is carried by the olfactory nerve, the first cranial nerve. It starts with olfactory receptor neurons in the nasal mucosa; their axons pass through the cribriform plate into the olfactory bulb, where the signal begins its journey to higher brain areas—the piriform cortex and limbic regions—linking odors with memories and emotions. This pathway is dedicated to olfactory sensation, whereas the optic nerve handles vision and the oculomotor and trochlear nerves control most eye movements and pupil function. So, the olfactory nerve is the one responsible for the sense of smell.