There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that originate from the brain. They are the olfactory, optic, oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibulocochlear, glossopharyngeal, vagus, accessory, and hypoglossal nerves. Each nerve has specific functions, such as carrying sensory information for smell, vision, and taste, or controlling eye and facial muscle movement. Damage to certain cranial nerves can cause issues like Bell's palsy or an inability to speak or swallow.