Pathology · single question
Same Herpes Zoster case — what part of the tongue does the affected nerve supply taste to?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Anterior 2/3
- A. The FACIAL NERVE (CN VII, via chorda tympani) supplies TASTE to the ANTERIOR 2/3 of the tongue. If the facial nerve is the affected nerve in this herpes zoster case, taste loss (ageusia) in the ANTERIOR 2/3 of the tongue on the affected side is a consequence of chorda tympani involvement.
- B. The posterior 1/3 taste is supplied by CN IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) — not CN VII.
- C. No single nerve supplies taste to the entire tongue — it is divided between CN VII (ant. 2/3) and CN IX (post. 1/3).
- D. The circumvallate papillae receive taste from CN IX — not CN VII.