Taste Sensation Distribution of the Facial Nerve

Facial Nerve Anatomy and Function

The facial nerve (CN VII) relays taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and is one of the most complex cranial nerves with multiple functions including branchial motor, visceral motor, general sensory, and special sensory functions 1, 2
The facial nerve has a complex anatomical course including pontine, cisternal, and intratemporal segments before exiting the skull and coursing through the parotid gland 1
The special sensory component of the facial nerve specifically carries taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue via the chorda tympani branch 2

The American College of Radiology recommends MRI as the preferred imaging modality for evaluating the facial nerve and its branches when pathology is suspected 1, 5
The American College of Radiology suggests that CT provides useful information regarding temporal bone fractures, presurgical osseous anatomy, and patterns of bone erosion that might affect the facial nerve 1

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery notes that damage to the facial nerve or its chorda tympani branch, such as in Bell's palsy, can result in taste disturbances or loss affecting the anterior two-thirds of the tongue 4