What are the twelve pairs of nerves located at the base of the brain known as?

The twelve pairs of nerves located at the base of the brain are known as cranial nerves. These nerves are essential components of the nervous system, primarily responsible for innervating the head and neck regions and facilitating functions such as sensory perception and motor control. They are directly connected to the brain and are involved in various functions, including vision, taste, smell, facial sensation, and movement of the eyes and muscles of the face.

In contrast, spinal nerves arise from the spinal cord and connect to different parts of the body, while peripheral nerves are a broader category that includes both cranial and spinal nerves, extending throughout the body. The optic nerves specifically refer to the second pair of cranial nerves, which are responsible for vision, but they do not encompass all twelve pairs. Thus, cranial nerves accurately encapsulate the entirety of the twelve pairs situated at the base of the brain.