Which cranial nerves are involved in the corneal reflex?

The corneal reflex, also known as the blink reflex, is a protective mechanism that involves the involuntary blinking of the eyelids when the cornea is stimulated, typically by a foreign object or touch. This reflex requires a sensory input and a motor response, which involves specific cranial nerves.

The sensory component of the corneal reflex is mediated by the trigeminal nerve, specifically its ophthalmic branch (CN V1), which carries sensory information from the cornea. When the cornea is touched, the trigeminal nerve transmits the sensation to the brain.

The motor response, which causes the eyelids to blink, is facilitated by the facial nerve (CN VII). Once the sensory information reaches the brain, it sends a signal through the facial nerve to activate the muscles that close the eyelids.

Together, the trigeminal nerve and the facial nerve create the necessary pathway for both sensing the stimulus and executing the motor response, making them the correct cranial nerves involved in the corneal reflex.