Anatomy & Histology · single question
In Ramsay Hunt syndrome involving the left facial nerve (CN VII), the taste impairment on the tongue is:
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Correct answer: B. Ipsilateral (left) anterior 2/3 of the tongue
- A. Bilateral taste loss would require bilateral CN VII lesions — not seen in Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
- B. CORRECT. The chorda tympani (CN VII branch) carries taste from the ipsilateral anterior 2/3 of the tongue. If the left facial nerve is damaged, taste from the LEFT anterior 2/3 of the tongue is lost (ipsilateral). Taste pathways do NOT decussate at the periphery — the deficit is on the SAME side as the lesion.
- C. Contralateral taste loss would imply a central (brainstem) lesion where fibers have crossed. Peripheral CN VII damage produces ipsilateral taste loss.
- D. Posterior 1/3 taste is carried by CN IX (glossopharyngeal) — not affected by CN VII lesions.
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