Beginner Facial Nerve Quiz

Q1. Which cranial nerve number corresponds to the facial nerve?

• CN VII
• CN V
• CN VIII
• CN IX

Q2. Which muscle group receives the major branchial motor supply of the facial nerve?

• Extraocular muscles
• Muscles of facial expression
• Intrinsic tongue muscles
• Muscles of mastication

Q3. Through which opening do the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves enter the petrous temporal bone?

• Internal acoustic meatus
• Jugular foramen
• Foramen ovale
• Hypoglossal canal

Q4. Through which opening does the main motor trunk of the facial nerve leave the skull?

• Carotid canal
• Stylomastoid foramen
• Superior orbital fissure
• Foramen rotundum

Q5. Which facial nerve branch carries taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

• Posterior auricular nerve
• Nerve to stapedius
• Chorda tympani
• Greater petrosal nerve

Q6. Which facial nerve branch carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers toward the lacrimal gland?

• Temporal branch
• Posterior auricular nerve
• Greater petrosal nerve
• Chorda tympani

Q7. Which ganglion contains the sensory neuron cell bodies of the facial nerve?

• Geniculate ganglion
• Ciliary ganglion
• Otic ganglion
• Trigeminal motor nucleus

Q8. Which small muscle of the middle ear is innervated by the facial nerve?

• Tensor veli palatini
• Stapedius
• Tensor tympani
• Levator veli palatini

Q9. What is the efferent limb of the corneal blink reflex?

• Facial nerve
• Optic nerve
• Glossopharyngeal nerve
• Oculomotor nerve

Q10. Which statement best describes the facial nerve?

• It is purely sensory
• It is a mixed nerve with motor, parasympathetic, taste, and sensory components
• It carries only parasympathetic fibers
• It is purely motor