A fracture of the cribriform plate might injure the _________blank cranial nerve.Multiple Choiceglossopharyngealtrigeminalolfactoryfacialoptic

To answer this question, we need to understand the anatomical location of the cribriform plate and which cranial nerve is most closely associated with it.

1. Understanding the Cribriform Plate: The cribriform plate is a part of the ethmoid bone located at the roof of the nasal cavity. It has numerous small openings that allow the passage of nerve fibers from the olfactory bulbs to the nasal cavity.

2. Cranial Nerves:

   • Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX): Primarily responsible for taste and some aspects of swallowing.
   • Trigeminal Nerve (CN V): Responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.
   • Olfactory Nerve (CN I): Responsible for the sense of smell and is directly related to the cribriform plate.
   • Facial Nerve (CN VII): Responsible for facial expressions and taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
   • Optic Nerve (CN II): Responsible for vision and not related to the cribriform plate.

3. Identifying the Correct Nerve: Given that the cribriform plate is specifically associated with the olfactory nerve, an injury to this area would likely damage the olfactory nerve fibers that pass through it.

Final Answer

The correct answer is olfactory.