Anatom3DVII — Facial nerve
Nervus facialis (VII) · VII — lícní nerv
Nervous system
Looks like
A nerve winding through the temporal bone, then fanning out through the parotid gland across the face.
What it does
Moves the muscles of facial expression, closes the eye, and carries taste from the front of the tongue.
Keeping it well
Bell's palsy weakens one whole side of the face; steroids within 72 hours improve recovery, and the eye must be protected. Forehead spared suggests stroke instead.