Which cranial nerve provides taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

The facial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VII, is responsible for providing taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The taste buds in this region send their signals through the chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve, which then relays the taste information to the brain.

This function is distinct from other cranial nerves listed. The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) primarily provides taste sensation to the posterior one-third of the tongue. The vagus nerve (CN X) is involved in taste sensation from the epiglottis and the lower pharynx, while the trigeminal nerve (CN V) primarily handles general sensory information such as touch, pain, and temperature from the tongue rather than taste. Understanding these specific functions of each cranial nerve helps clarify why the facial nerve is correctly associated with taste in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.