Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

What function does the olfactory nerve control?

1. Vision

2. Taste

3. Smell

4. Touch

The correct answer is: Smell

The correct answer is that the olfactory nerve controls the sense of smell. The olfactory nerve, also known as cranial nerve I, is specifically responsible for transmitting smell information from the nasal cavity directly to the brain. This nerve contains sensory receptors that detect airborne chemicals and convert those signals into neural impulses, which the brain interprets as distinct odors. This sensory pathway is essential for our ability to perceive and differentiate various smells, which can impact taste and evoke memories or emotions. The olfactory system is unique because it is one of the few sensory systems that has a direct connection to the brain regions associated with emotions and memory, further emphasizing its importance.