The facial nerve is cranial nerve ____ and it supplies muscle for _____.

The facial nerve is cranial nerve VII, and it is primarily responsible for supplying the muscles involved in facial expression. This nerve innervates the muscles that allow us to perform actions such as smiling, frowning, and other expressive movements that reflect emotions. Understanding the role of cranial nerve VII is crucial in both clinical and surgical settings, especially when monitoring for potential nerve damage during procedures near the face.

The facial nerve also carries sensory fibers for taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and provides parasympathetic innervation to various glands, including the lacrimal gland and salivary glands. Recognizing the functions of cranial nerves is essential for neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring, as preserving nerve function can impact outcomes significantly.