Question

general sensation to the tongue is provided by which cranial nerve?
facial (cn 7)
glossopharyngeal (cn 9)
trigeminal (cn 5)
hypoglossal (cn 12)

Explanation:

• The trigeminal nerve (CN 5) has three branches. The mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve provides general sensation (touch, pain, temperature) to the anterior two - thirds of the tongue.
• The facial nerve (CN 7) is mainly involved in taste sensation for the anterior two - thirds of the tongue (via the chorda tympani) and facial muscle movement.
• The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN 9) provides taste sensation for the posterior one - third of the tongue and some sensory innervation related to the pharynx.
• The hypoglossal nerve (CN 12) is a motor nerve that controls the muscles of the tongue.

Answer:

Trigeminal (CN 5)