Which cranial nerve is associated with facial palsy?

The cranial nerve associated with facial palsy is cranial nerve VII, also known as the facial nerve. This nerve is responsible for the motor control of the muscles of facial expression, as well as conveying taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and contributing to functions such as tear and saliva production. When there is damage or dysfunction of the facial nerve, it can result in weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face, leading to the characteristic drooping or inability to fully control facial expressions, which is termed facial palsy (also known as Bell’s palsy in its most common idiopathic form).

Understanding this connection highlights the importance of cranial nerve VII in facial movements and the clinical implications that damage to this nerve can have, like the inability to smile, frown, or close the eye on the affected side.