| Definition: |
The process whose specific outcome is the progression of the facial nerve over time, from its formation to the mature structure. This sensory and motor nerve supplies the muscles of facial expression and the expression and taste at the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The principal branches are the superficial ophthalmic, buccal, palatine and hyomandibular. The main trunk synapses within pterygopalatine ganglion in the parotid gland and this ganglion then gives off nerve branches which supply the lacrimal gland and the mucous secreting glands of the nasal and oral cavities. |