Which cranial nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the face?

The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is primarily responsible for sensation to the face. It is the largest of the cranial nerves and has three major branches: the ophthalmic, the maxillary, and the mandibular. Each branch innervates different areas of the face, allowing for the perception of touch, pain, and temperature sensations in the forehead, cheeks, and jaw regions.

This nerve plays a critical role in facial sensation, and any damage to it can lead to sensory deficits or neuropathic pain in the corresponding facial areas. Its functions also extend to providing the motor innervation for muscles of mastication, but the primary focus of the trigeminal nerve is indeed the sensory perception in the facial region.