Question

Which of the following cranial nerve plays an important role in regulating heart beat?

• A. IX
• B. VII
• C. X
• D. VIII

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

X

Vagus nerve (X) conducts the parasympathetic motor impulses to slow down the heart beat rate by the effect of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system. Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX, mixed type) transmits nerve impulses to and from pharynx and pharyngeal muscles and thus regulates the process of swallowing. Facial nerve (VII, mixed type) transmits nerve impulses from taste buds of the anterior tongue while its motor fibres transmit nerve impulses to facial muscles and glands (tear and salivary). Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII) transmits the sensory information from the inner ear for the sense of balance and hearing. So, the correct answer is option C.