Addressing the challenge of learning cranial nerves in a medical school curriculum and a proposed solution

Abstract

Historically, cranial nerves have been a problematic subject for medical students to learn. Although there are an abundance of illustrations and depictions available, a challenge medical students face is to understand systemically how each cranial nerve relates to one another. To help address this problem, a cranial nerve (CN) tutorial was created. We demonstrated all twelve pairs of cranial nerves together in one illustration using macromedia flash. The interactive program was posted on our anatomy website. The CN tutorial allowed students to explore individual cranial nerves on one diagram, as well as pathways, foramina, modalities, and regional innervation. In addition to these illustrations, students tested their knowledge tracing modalities, pathways, and quizzing autonomously within the CN template. As a result, a template was developed enabling students to independently study the cranial nerves in relation to each other. At the conclusion of the course, a short questionnaire was administered concerning the effectiveness of the cranial nerve tutorial. We received positive feedback.