GROSS ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) is responsible for the muscles that determine facial expression, as well as the sensation of taste in the front of the tongue and oral cavity.

Detailed explanation-2: -Taste to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is achieved through innervation from the chorda tympani nerve, a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Detailed explanation-3: -The facial nerve is the 7th cranial nerve and carries nerve fibers that control facial movement and expression. The facial nerve also carries nerves that are involved in taste to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue and producing tears (lacrimal gland).

Detailed explanation-4: -The glossopharyngeal nerve innervates taste discs located on the tongue and the facial nerve innervates taste discs of the smooth lining of the oral cavity (Osculati and Sbarbati, 1995).