Facial Nerve

Alternate Terms:
  • Nerves of the Face
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Facial Nerve Definition by Healthwise:

Facial nerve

Two facial nerves, one located on each side of the face, branch off and lead to muscles in the forehead, eyelids, ear, nose, mouth, and chin. These nerves control facial muscles and expressions, send taste sensations from the front of the tongue to the brain, and control tear and saliva production.

Author: Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Last Updated: August 8, 2007

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