Correct
To answer this question, we need to identify the three cranial nerves that exit from the pons (or at the level of the pons). This is high-yield for the optometry boards because understanding the relationship between cranial nerves and the brainstem is essential for neuro-ophthalmology and clinical localization.
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### Let’s review each option:
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A) CN III (Oculomotor nerve)
* Incorrect
* CN III emerges from the midbrain, specifically the ventral surface between the cerebral peduncles (interpeduncular fossa).
* It controls most of the extraocular muscles, the levator palpebrae, and the pupil (via parasympathetic fibers), but it is not associated with the pons.
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B) CN IV (Trochlear nerve)
* Incorrect
* CN IV is the only cranial nerve that exits dorsally, and it comes from the midbrain, just below the inferior colliculus.
* It innervates the superior oblique muscle. Despite its proximity, it does not exit from the pons.
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C) CN V (Trigeminal nerve)
* Correct
* CN V is the only cranial nerve that exits directly from the pons itself.
* It comes out of the lateral surface of the pons and is both sensory (face, cornea, teeth) and motor (muscles of mastication).
* Important in optometry for sensory testing of the cornea and orbital region.
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D) CN VI (Abducens nerve)
* Correct
* CN VI exits at the pontomedullary junction, close to the midline.
* It innervates the lateral rectus muscle, which abducts the eye.
* Damage can cause horizontal diplopia and esotropia (eye turns inward).
* Functionally and anatomically tied to the pons.
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E) CN VIII (Vestibulocochlear nerve)
* Correct
* CN VIII also exits at the pontomedullary junction, just lateral to CN VII.
* It carries sensory information for hearing and balance from the inner ear.
* Clinically important for vestibular disorders and hearing tests.
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F) CN IX (Glossopharyngeal nerve)
* Incorrect
* CN IX exits from the medulla, below the pontomedullary junction.
* It controls taste and sensation from the posterior third of the tongue, as well as swallowing and carotid body input.
* Not associated with the pons.
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### Correct Answer Choices:
* C) CN V
* D) CN VI
* E) CN VIII
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### Study Tip for Boards: Brainstem Levels and CN Origins
To remember where cranial nerves exit, break them down like this:
* Midbrain: CN III, CN IV
* Pons: CN V (directly), CN VI–VIII (at pontomedullary junction)
* Medulla: CN IX–XII
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### Visual Mnemonic Tip:
Think of the cranial nerves coming out in order from top (midbrain) to bottom (medulla) like rungs on a ladder:
1. CN III & IV – top of the ladder (midbrain)
2. CN V–VIII – middle rungs (pons)
3. CN IX–XII – lower rungs (medulla)
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### Final Answer:
✅ C) CN V
✅ D) CN VI
✅ E) CN VIII