Which cranial nerves are known to contribute to the sense of taste?

The face's sense of taste is primarily facilitated by specific cranial nerves that have sensory functions in the oral cavity. The facial nerve (CN VII) is responsible for taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, while the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) handles taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue. This dual contribution is vital for the complete perception of taste, as these nerves send sensory information to the brain regarding various taste modalities such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

The facial nerve not only plays a pivotal role in taste sensation but also has motor functions that control facial expressions and other outputs. The glossopharyngeal nerve, aside from its taste functions, contributes to autonomic functions and the gag reflex. Their collaboration ensures that the taste experience is comprehensive and responsive to a variety of stimuli.

Understanding the roles of these cranial nerves is fundamental in the clinical assessment of taste disorders and neurological evaluations.