Mnemonics for Cranial Nerves
"Oh, Oh, Oh, To Touch And Feel Very Green Vegetables, AH!"
I - Olfactory, II - Optic, III - Oculomotor, IV - Trochlear, V - Trigeminal, VI - Abducens, VII - Facial, VIII - Vestibulocochlear, IX - Glossopharyngeal, X - Vagus, XI - Accessory, XII - Hypoglossal.
Blood Supply of the Brain
- Anterior circulation: Internal carotid artery → ACA, MCA
- Posterior circulation: Vertebrobasilar → PCA, brainstem supply
- Circle of Willis: Key collateral pathway — ACA, MCA, PCA, AComm, PComm
Cerebellum: Anatomy and Functions
Three lobes: anterior, posterior, flocculonodular. Three pairs of peduncles connecting to brainstem. Functions: coordination, balance, motor learning.
Basal Ganglia Circuits
Direct pathway (facilitates movement) vs indirect pathway (inhibits movement). Parkinsonism = loss of dopaminergic input to striatum.
Spinal Cord Tracts
Key tracts: corticospinal (motor), dorsal column (proprioception/vibration), spinothalamic (pain/temperature). Know the location, function, and clinical deficit for each.
References & further reading
Every clinical claim in this article is anchored to a primary source. Click through to verify, and use the same habit in your revision.
Revision history
- 19 September 2026 — Initial publication
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important CNS topics for UPSC CMS?
Blood supply of brain, cranial nerves, basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum, spinal cord tracts, and Brocas/Wernickes areas. These account for 80% of neuroanatomy questions.
Are mnemonics enough for neuroanatomy?
Mnemonics help with facts but you also need to understand 3D spatial relationships. Use diagrams alongside mnemonics for best retention.
How many neuroanatomy questions in UPSC CMS?
Typically 4-6 questions from neuroanatomy in Paper I. They test gross anatomy, blood supply, and clinical correlations.
Related reading
Hand this plan to your study group.
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