FUNCTION: special sensory (or visceral afferent - smell)

The olfactory nerve fibers are collectively known as CN I. The fibers pass through foramina in the CRIBRIFORM PLATE of the ethmoid bone, pierce the dura and arachnoid of the brain and enter the olfactory bulb. In addition to enabling us to smell, CN I also induces visceral responses via the autonomic nervous system. For example, salivation is initiated in response to the aroma of food.