A patient has decreased salivary flow due to nerve damage. Which nerve was most likely damaged?

Correct answer: B. Facial nerve (CN VII)

• A. INCORRECT — The lingual nerve itself carries the chorda tympani (from CN VII) but is not the source of secretomotor innervation; it merely provides the pathway.
• B. CORRECT — The facial nerve (CN VII) carries parasympathetic secretomotor fibers to the submandibular and sublingual glands (via chorda tympani → lingual nerve → submandibular ganglion). The chorda tympani is a branch of CN VII. Damage to CN VII or chorda tympani is the primary cause of reduced salivary flow affecting the major submandibular/sublingual contribution.
• C. INCORRECT — The IAN (CN V3 branch) is primarily a sensory nerve for the lower teeth and lip; it does not carry salivary secretomotor fibers.
• D. INCORRECT — The auriculotemporal nerve carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion to the parotid gland. Damage would reduce parotid salivary output, but the facial nerve is the broader answer covering total salivary gland secretion.