Normal anatomy of cranial nerves III–XII on magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Because of the inherent complex anatomy and functional arrangement of the cranial nerves (CNs), neuroimaging of cranial neuropathy is challenging. With recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, the cause of cranial neuropathy can now be detected in many cases. As an active multidisciplinary team member of cranial neuropathy, it is essential for the neuroradiologist to be familiar with the detailed anatomy of the CNs on MRI. This review contains the basic MRI anatomy of CNs III–XII according to a segmental classification from the brain stem to the extracranial region. The optimal imaging options to best evaluate the specific segment of the CNs will also be discussed briefly.