What is the location of the olfactory cranial nerve? How does this aid with its function?
Olfactory nerves. Also known as CN1, the olfactory nerve is the first of 12 cranial nerves located within the head. It relays sensory data to the brain, and it is responsible for the sense of smell.The nerve's olfactory receptors are located within the mucosa of the nasal cavity.Unlike many other nerves, CN1 does not possess two trunks. Rather, its sensory fibers extend through the ethmoid bone's cribriform plate, a part of the skull located behind the nose.t relays sensory data to the brain, and it is responsible for the sense of smell. The nerve's olfactory receptors are located within the mucosa of the nasal cavity. Unlike many other nerves, CN1 does not possess two trunks.
Functions. Each of the 12 cranial nerves has a specific function that helps the brain control the actions of the body. 1  The olfactory nerve is involved in the sense of smell. 2  This nerve has access to the cerebral cortex, but does not pass through the thalamus like other cranial nerves. The olfactory nerve is involved in the sense of smell. 2  This nerve has access to the cerebral cortex, but does not pass through the thalamus like other cranial nerves. 3  The optic nerve is involved in the sense of sight. 4  Responsible for vision, damage to this nerve can result in temporary or permanent blindness.