Anatomy & Histology · single question
In Bell's palsy, drooling is caused by weakness of muscles supplied by which branch of the facial nerve?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Buccal branch
- A. ❌ The marginal mandibular branch depresses the lower lip — its weakness causes asymmetry but drooling is primarily from buccinator/orbicularis weakness.
- B. ❌ The temporal branch supplies the frontalis — not involved in drooling.
- C. ❌ The zygomatic branch supplies orbicularis oculi — weakness causes inability to close the eye, not drooling.
- D. ✅ Correct. The buccal branch supplies the BUCCINATOR and orbicularis oris. Buccinator weakness prevents keeping food/saliva in the mouth; orbicularis weakness causes lip incompetence → drooling.
Practice Anatomy & Histology questions Anatomy & Histology study notes