Question

In all, there are ------------- pairs of cranial nerves and -------------- pairs of spinal nerves in humans. (12/22/31)

• A. 12
• B. 31

Answer 1

Cranial nerves:

1. These nerves emerge from the brain and innervate the head.
2. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves.
3. They are comprised of sensory fibers, motor fibers and mixed fibers.

Spinal nerves:

1. They arise from the spinal cord and innervate the visceral organs.
2. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves of which 8 pairs are cervical nerves, 12 pairs are thoracic nerves, 5 pairs are lumbar nerves, 5 pairs are sacral nerves and one pair of coccygeal nerve.

Final answer: In all, there are 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves in humans.