Facial Nerve (VII)

The Facial Nerve (cranial nerve VII) is responsible for controlling the muscles that allow you to make facial expressions, like smiling, frowning, and blinking. It also helps transmit taste sensations from the front part of your tongue and supplies some glands in your face, like those producing saliva and tears. Originating from the brainstem, it travels through the skull's bones to reach the face and head. Proper functioning of this nerve is essential for facial movement, expression, and certain taste functions. Damage to it can cause weakness, paralysis, or loss of taste sensations in parts of the face.