Spinal Nerves vs. Cranial Nerves

Difference between Spinal Nerves and Cranial Nerves

Ever investigated the differences between spinal nerves and cranial nerves?  Even though, all nerves are interrelated, each nerve segment has its own functions. We are going to talk about various aspects of these nerves and which body parts they connect. It's amazing how each nerve allow us to function, experience and feel life as a richly and experientially as we do.

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Cranial Nerves

Nerves are all connected directly to the brain and to the nerves of the spinal cord. Looking at cranial nerves the first one we will explore is the olfactory nerve. Olfactory nerves are used to conduct smelling sensations from the nose. Your sense of smell relies on impulse of odor from mucous membranes. It is said that the olfactory nerves are the only ones to have the ability to heal themselves. Optical nerves allows us to see via photoreceptors impulses which travel to the retina and then to the visual cortex. Ever wonder how people can zero in on an object?  Look no further, optical muscles with the help of optical nerves dilating one's pupils in a manner similar to a zoom lens on a camera.   

The Science Behind Cranial Nerves

The Trochlear is a tiny motor nerve that that allows the eye to go up and down. The Trigeminal nerve is basically a sensory and motor function that allows someone to feel their facial structure, facial movement and the sense of being in contact with external sources. The Abducens nerve provides a motor function that allows the eye to move; there are basically six nerves controlling eye movement. The Facial Nerve allows you to make your facial expressions and extends to area above and below the lip regions. The Vestibulocochlear nerve basically allows for equilibrium and carries impulses that allow one to hear. The Glossopharyngeal allows you to taste the food you eat. Vagus nerves control the muscle that let you speak and swallow your food. The Accessory nerves function allows you to shrug and move your head efficiently. And finally, the Hypoglossal nerve is the a supplementary nerve that allows you to concentrate on swallowing and controlling your speech.

Spinal Nerves

Spinal cord nerves provide sensations communication between all body surfaces and the brain. Whether you're feeling pretty darned good or feeling the pain, the spinal cord is the fundamental highway. Nerves are an absolutely required in muscular and organ functioning. Without happy,  healthy spinal and peripheral nerves everything from walking to body temperature wouldn't function normally. Spinal nerves allow us to live life fully by communicating bodily and external sensations to the brain for automatic responses or simply for the chance to enjoy senses of everyday life.  

Similarities and Differences

• Cranial nerves emanate from the brain stem. Spinal nerves are rooted in the spinal cord.
• There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves in the human body; 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 sacral, 5 lumbar and 1 coccygeal.