Which cranial nerve does not have a sensory function?

Which cranial nerve does not have a sensory function?

• A. Facial
• B. Glossopharyngeal
• C. Abducens
• D. Optic

Answer: (C)

The abducens nerve is primarily a motor nerve, which means its main function is to innervate the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, allowing for lateral movement. Unlike other cranial nerves that have both sensory and motor functions, the abducens does not carry sensory information. In contrast, the facial nerve is involved in motor functions for facial expression, but it also has sensory functions related to taste. The glossopharyngeal nerve serves both sensory and motor roles, including taste sensation from the posterior tongue and contributions to swallowing. The optic nerve is solely responsible for vision, transmitting visual sensory information from the retina to the brain. Thus, the abducens stands out as the cranial nerve lacking any sensory function.

The abducens nerve is primarily a motor nerve, which means its main function is to innervate the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, allowing for lateral movement. Unlike other cranial nerves that have both sensory and motor functions, the abducens does not carry sensory information.

In contrast, the facial nerve is involved in motor functions for facial expression, but it also has sensory functions related to taste. The glossopharyngeal nerve serves both sensory and motor roles, including taste sensation from the posterior tongue and contributions to swallowing. The optic nerve is solely responsible for vision, transmitting visual sensory information from the retina to the brain. Thus, the abducens stands out as the cranial nerve lacking any sensory function.