Which CN VII branch contains the only sensory innervation provided by CN VII?

Which CN VII branch contains the only sensory innervation provided by CN VII?

• A. Greater petrosal nerve
• B. Chorda tympani
• C. Temporal
• D. Zygomatic

Answer: (B)

Taste from the front two-thirds of the tongue is carried by a branch of CN VII called the chorda tympani. This fibers travel with the lingual nerve to reach the tongue, providing the special sensory (taste) input that CN VII alone contributes. The other listed pathways do not carry taste: the greater petrosal nerve is parasympathetic to lacrimal and nasal glands, while the temporal and zygomatic branches are motor branches to facial muscles. So the chorda tympani uniquely supplies CN VII’s sensory (taste) innervation.

Taste from the front two-thirds of the tongue is carried by a branch of CN VII called the chorda tympani. This fibers travel with the lingual nerve to reach the tongue, providing the special sensory (taste) input that CN VII alone contributes. The other listed pathways do not carry taste: the greater petrosal nerve is parasympathetic to lacrimal and nasal glands, while the temporal and zygomatic branches are motor branches to facial muscles. So the chorda tympani uniquely supplies CN VII’s sensory (taste) innervation.