Facial Nerve
The facial nerve is a mixed nerve located in the head and neck area. It is the seventh cranial nerve and arises from the brain stem. It is responsible for the formation of facial expressions, the functioning of the muscles of facial expression, the movement of the forehead, eyebrows, eyelids and jaw, as well as the sensation of taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. It is of great importance to the face, because it supplies the nerves necessary for facial expressions, as well as the folds and wrinkles associated with them. In addition, it plays a role in the production of tears, the movement of the stapedius muscle of the inner ear, and the secretion of saliva. The facial nerve can be affected by a variety of conditions, including Bell’s palsy, acoustic neuromas, tumors and trauma. Treatment typically involves medications, physical therapy and surgery, depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
← Journal of Otolaryngology Advances