Which cranial nerve plays a key role in the sensation of touch to the face?

The trigeminal nerve, also known as cranial nerve V, is the primary nerve responsible for sensation in the face. It has three major branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves, each innervating different regions of the face. This nerve transmits sensory information regarding touch, pain, temperature, and pressure from the face to the brain, making it essential for facial sensation.

In contrast, the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) primarily controls the muscles of facial expression and is involved in taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue rather than sensory information from the skin. The vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) is associated with hearing and balance, not facial sensation. Lastly, the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I) is responsible for the sense of smell and does not provide any sensory information regarding touch in the facial region. Therefore, the trigeminal nerve is crucial for tactile sensation on the face.