Which cranial nerve provides taste sensation in anterior 2/3rd part of tongue

Options

A. Trigeminal
B. Facial
C. Glossopharyngeal
D. Hypoglossal

Answer

To determine which cranial nerve provides taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Anatomy of the Tongue**:
The tongue is divided into three parts:
- Anterior two-thirds
- Posterior one-third
- Base

2. **Identify the Cranial Nerves**:
There are several cranial nerves that innervate different parts of the tongue. The key cranial nerves to consider are:
- Trigeminal Nerve (V)
- Facial Nerve (VII)
- Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX)
- Hypoglossal Nerve (XII)

3. **Evaluate the Trigeminal Nerve**:
The trigeminal nerve (V) is primarily responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. It does not provide taste sensation, so it can be ruled out.

4. **Evaluate the Facial Nerve**:
The facial nerve (VII) emerges from the pons of the brainstem and is responsible for controlling facial expressions. Importantly, it also carries taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

5. **Evaluate the Glossopharyngeal Nerve**:
The glossopharyngeal nerve (IX) is responsible for taste sensation in the posterior one-third of the tongue, not the anterior part.

6. **Evaluate the Hypoglossal Nerve**:
The hypoglossal nerve (XII) innervates the muscles of the tongue, facilitating movement, but it does not convey taste sensations.

7. **Conclusion**:
Based on the evaluations, the cranial nerve that provides taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is the **Facial Nerve (VII)**.

### Final Answer:
The cranial nerve that provides taste sensation in the anterior two-thirds part of the tongue is the **Facial Nerve (VII)**.

---