The Motor Functions of the Facial Nerve

Question 1

Which cranial nerve is the facial nerve and how many branches does it have?

Answer 1

CN VII (7)
- 5 branches

Question 2

What are the 5 branches of the facial nerve?

Answer 2

Temporal
Zygomatic
Buccal
Mandibular
Cervical
(Two Zebras Bit My Coccyx)

Question 3

What facial movements does the temporal branch of the facial nerve control?

Answer 3

Raise eyebrows

Crease forehead

Question 4

What facial movements does the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve control

Answer 4

Closing eyes

Squeezing eyes shut

Question 5

What facial movements does the buccal branch of the facial nerve control

Answer 5

Smile/reveal teeth

Question 6

What facial movements does the mandibular branch of the facial nerve control

Answer 6

Puff out the cheeks

Question 7

What facial movements does the cervical branch of the facial nerve control

Answer 7

Grimace

Question 8

How do you test the motor function of the branches of the facial nerve?

Answer 8

Ask the patient to perform a series of facial expressions as you provide some resistance to each movement. Inform the patient that you will be resisting their movement.