Cranial nerve VII (Facial nerve)

Question 1

What is the name of CN VII

What are the functions of this nerve

Answer 1

Facial nerve

MOTOR, SENSORY, SPECIAL, PNS

Question 2

Where can the facial nerve be found in the brainstem

Answer 2

Cerebellar pontine angle

Anterior to vestibulocochlear nerve

Question 3

What nuclei are associated with the facial nerve and where are they found

Answer 3

Facial motor

PNS Superior salivary nucleus
-both in floor of 4th ventricle

Nucleus solitarius
-in medulla oblongata

Question 4

Describe the route of fibres emerging from the facial nucleus at the level of the pons

Answer 4

Lateral to abducens nucleus

Wrap around medially to form facial colliculus on ventral side

Question 5

Describe the motor pathway of the facial nerve

What are the branches of of the facial nerve

Answer 5

Facial nucleus

Stapedius stabilises stapes in ear

Also

Via stylomastoid foramen to facial muscles

• temporal
• zygomatic
• buccal
• mandibular
• cervical branch

Question 6

Describe the parasympathetic pathway of the facial nerve

Answer 6

Superior salivary nucleus via 2nd order neurones to

Pterygopalatine ganglion => lacrimal gland
Submandibular ganglion => sublingual and submandibular gland

Question 7

Describe the sensory/special sensory pathway of the facial nerve

Answer 7

Top of mouth and ant 2/3 tongue give taste sensation

Geniculate ganglion => nucleus solitarius

Question 8

What foramen are associated with the facial nerve

Answer 8

Internal acoustic meatus shared with vestibulocochlear nerve