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Cranial nerves arising from the hindbrain VXII

The trigeminal nerve (V) arises from the lateral aspect of the mid pons.

The abducens (VI), facial (VII) and vestibulocochlear (VIII) nerves arise from the pontomedullary junction: VI is close to the midline, VII and VIII arise laterally in the cerebellopontine angle.

Fig. 1.2 Attachments of cranial nerves. Lateral view: study with brain stem specimen.

The glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X) and accessory (XI) nerves arise from the medulla by a longitudinal series of rootlets lateral to the olive.

The hypoglossal (XII) nerve also arises from the medulla by a longitudinal series of rootlets, but medial to the olive - between it and the pyramid.