Anatomy & Histology · single question
A patient presents with tearing (excessive lacrimation). The nerve innervating the affected muscle passes through which branch of CN VII?
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Correct answer: D. Zygomatic branch of CN VII
- A. There is no 'maxillary branch of CN VII.' CN VII branches are: temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, cervical.
- B. The buccal branch of CN VII innervates the buccinator and muscles of the upper lip/cheek — not the orbicularis oculi.
- C. The lacrimal nerve (branch of V1) provides SENSATION to the lacrimal gland area — it does not innervate the orbicularis oculi.
- D. The zygomatic branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) innervates the orbicularis oculi muscle, which controls eye closure. Injury to this branch causes inability to close the eye, leading to increased lacrimation due to corneal irritation and loss of the blink reflex.
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