Anatomy & Histology · single question
When CN VII is affected (e.g., Bell's palsy), the taste loss on the anterior 2/3 of the tongue is:
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Correct answer: A. Ipsilateral (same side)
✓ A) Ipsilateral is correct.
CN VII is a peripheral nerve — it carries ipsilateral sensory and motor information. In Bell's palsy (unilateral CN VII palsy), ALL ipsilateral CN VII functions are affected: facial muscle paralysis, loss of taste on the ipsilateral anterior 2/3 of the tongue (via chorda tympani), and reduced salivation (submandibular/sublingual glands) on the same side. Contralateral symptoms would suggest a central (brain) lesion. Peripheral CN VII lesions = ipsilateral effects.
CN VII is a peripheral nerve — it carries ipsilateral sensory and motor information. In Bell's palsy (unilateral CN VII palsy), ALL ipsilateral CN VII functions are affected: facial muscle paralysis, loss of taste on the ipsilateral anterior 2/3 of the tongue (via chorda tympani), and reduced salivation (submandibular/sublingual glands) on the same side. Contralateral symptoms would suggest a central (brain) lesion. Peripheral CN VII lesions = ipsilateral effects.
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