MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -The facial nerve is the seventh cranial nerve (CN VII). It arises from the brain stem and extends posteriorly to the abducens nerve and anteriorly to the vestibulocochlear nerve.

Detailed explanation-2: -The middle four cranial nerves originate from the pons: trigeminal nerve (CN V) abducens nerve (CN VI) facial nerve (CN VII)

Detailed explanation-3: -The facial motor nucleus is located in the pons just rostral to the pons-medulla transition (Figs. 14.1 and 14.14). Axons from the SE motor neurons of the facial nucleus course posteromedially to arch around the abducens nucleus from caudal to rostral before turning anterolaterally to exit the brainstem (Fig.