Cranial nerve V, also known as the trigeminal nerve, is the largest of the cranial nerves. It is responsible for sensation in the face and for motor functions such as biting and chewing. The trigeminal nerve is a mixed nerve, meaning it has both sensory and motor components.
- Cranial nerve VI (abducens) controls the lateral rectus muscle in the eye, allowing for eye movement, but it is not the largest.
- Cranial nerve X (vagus) has an important role in autonomic functions, including heart rate and digestion, but it is not the largest.
- Cranial nerve VII (facial nerve) controls the muscles of facial expression and is smaller in size compared to the trigeminal nerve.
Thus, the largest cranial nerve is cranial nerve V (trigeminal).