Question

Which one of the following cranial nerves plays an important role in regulating heartbeat?

• A. IX
• B. VII
• C. X
• D. VIII

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

X

Vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve which conducts the parasympathetic motor impulses to slow down the heart rate by effect of acetylcholine; a neurotransmitter released by parasympathetic nervous system. This makes option C correct. The ninth cranial nerve is glossopharyngeal nerve. The seventh cranial nerve is the facial nerve (mixed type). Vestibulocochlear nerve is the eighth cranial nerve which consists of only sensory fibres to transmit the sensory information from inner ear for the sense of balance and hearing.