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The facial motor nucleus is a collection of neurons in the brainstem that belong to the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). [1] These lower motor neurons innervate the muscles of facial expression and the stapedius .
The facial nerve, also known as the seventh cranial nerve, cranial nerve VII, or simply CN VII, is a cranial nerve that emerges from the pons of the brainstem, controls the muscles of facial expression, and functions in the conveyance of taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
A cranial nerve nucleus is a collection of neurons (gray matter) in the brain stem that is associated with one or more of the cranial nerves. Axons carrying information to and from the cranial nerves form a synapse first at these nuclei .
The superior salivatory nucleus (or nucleus salivatorius superior) is a visceral motor cranial nerve nucleus of the facial nerve (CN VII). It is located in the pontine tegmentum. [citation needed] It projects pre-ganglionic visceral motor parasympathetic efferents (via CN VII) to the pterygopalatine ganglion, and submandibular ganglion. [4]
The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve (malar branches) are nerves of the face. They run across the zygomatic bone to the lateral angle of the orbit. Here, they supply the orbicularis oculi muscle, and join with filaments from the lacrimal nerve and the zygomaticofacial branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V 2).
Thus the facial artery can be used as an important landmark in locating the marginal mandibular nerve during surgical procedures. [2] Damage can cause paralysis of the three muscles it supplies, which can cause an asymmetrical smile due to lack of contraction of the depressor labii inferioris muscle . [ 3 ]
Cranial nerves are the nerves that emerge directly from the brain (including the brainstem), of which there are conventionally considered twelve pairs.Cranial nerves relay information between the brain and parts of the body, primarily to and from regions of the head and neck, including the special senses of vision, taste, smell, and hearing.
The upper motor neurons of the corticobulbar tract synapse with interneurons or directly with the lower motor neurons located in the motor cranial nerve nuclei, namely oculomotor, trochlear, motor nucleus of the trigeminal nerve, abducens, facial nerve and accessory and in the nucleus ambiguus to the hypoglossal, vagus and accessory nerves. [6]