Which cranial nerve is associated with taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

The facial nerve is responsible for taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. This cranial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VII, carries taste fibers from the taste buds located in that portion of the tongue. The specific pathway for this sensation involves the chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve, which transmits taste information to the brain.

In addition to taste, the facial nerve also plays a significant role in the control of muscles of facial expression, as well as functions related to the glands of the face, such as tear and saliva production. The association of the facial nerve with taste in the anterior two-thirds distinguishes it from other cranial nerves that may be involved in different sensory or motor functions.

The remaining options do not serve this specific function; for example, the trigeminal nerve mainly provides sensory information related to touch, pain, and temperature from the face, while the glossopharyngeal nerve is associated with taste sensation from the posterior one-third of the tongue and other functions related to the pharynx and salivary glands. The olfactory nerve is entirely focused on the sense of smell and does not involve taste sensations.