facial nerve


noun Anatomy.

either one of the seventh pair of cranial nerves composed of motor fibers that control muscles of the face except those used in chewing.

Origin of facial nerve

First recorded in 1810–20

British Dictionary definitions for facial nerve

facial nerve

noun

the seventh cranial nerve, supplying the muscles controlling facial expression, glands of the palate and nose, and the taste buds in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue

Medical definitions for facial nerve

facial nerve

n.

Either of a pair of nerves that originate in the pons, traverse the facial canal of the temporal bone, and pass through the parotid gland, reach the facial muscles through various branches, control facial muscles, and relay sensation from the taste buds of the front part of the tongue. seventh cranial nerve