Question

which cranial nerve provides sensation to the tympanic membrane?
trigeminal (cn 5)
facial (cn 7)
glossopharyngeal (cn 9)
vagus (cn 10)

Explanation:

The trigeminal nerve (CN 5) has three branches. One of its branches, the mandibular branch, supplies sensory innervation to the tympanic membrane. The facial nerve (CN 7) is mainly involved in facial muscle movement and taste (anterior two - thirds of the tongue). The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN 9) is associated with taste (posterior one - third of the tongue) and some pharyngeal functions. The vagus nerve (CN 10) has a wide range of functions including in the digestive, respiratory, and cardiac systems.

Answer:

Trigeminal (CN 5)