In unilateral facial nerve palsy, which of the following is affected?

Study for the PANCE Precision Exam. Improve with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In unilateral facial nerve palsy, which of the following is affected?

Explanation:
Taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is carried by the chorda tympani, a branch of the facial nerve. When unilateral facial nerve palsy occurs, the chorda tympani on the affected side can’t transmit taste, so that portion of taste sensation is diminished there. Vision and hearing involve different nerves (optic nerve and vestibulocochlear nerve), so they aren’t affected by CN VII. Proprioception related to facial muscles isn’t a primary function of the facial nerve, so that sense isn’t altered either.

Taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is carried by the chorda tympani, a branch of the facial nerve. When unilateral facial nerve palsy occurs, the chorda tympani on the affected side can’t transmit taste, so that portion of taste sensation is diminished there. Vision and hearing involve different nerves (optic nerve and vestibulocochlear nerve), so they aren’t affected by CN VII. Proprioception related to facial muscles isn’t a primary function of the facial nerve, so that sense isn’t altered either.

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