Definition(s)
- Twelve pairs of nerves that carry general afferent, visceral afferent, special afferent, somatic efferent, and autonomic efferent fibers.
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Definition from: MeSH via Unified Medical Language System at the National Library of Medicine
- Any of the 12 paired nerves that originate in the brain stem.
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Definition from: NCI Thesaurus via Unified Medical Language System at the National Library of Medicine
- Any of the 12 paired nerves that arise from the lower surface of the brain with one of each pair on each side and pass through openings in the skull to the periphery of the body.
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Definition from: Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary by Merriam-Webster Inc.
See also Understanding Medical Terminology.