Which Cranial Nerve Decussate Within the Brain?

Other than the optic nerve (cranial nerve II), it is the only cranial nerve that decussates (crosses to the other side) before innervating its target. It is the only cranial nerve that exits from the dorsal aspect of the brainstem.

Do cranial nerves decussate?

These control somatic motor acitivity in the head e.g. muscles that control mastication, expression and eye movement. ii) Axons that innervate motor nerve cranial nuclei can decussate (cross) before they terminate, resulting in them innervating contralateral muscles.

Do cranial nerves cross over in the brain?

It is important to remember that cranial nerves never cross (except for one exception, the 4th CN) and clinical findings are always on the same side as the cranial nerve involved.