Which nerve is responsible for sensation in the face?

The trigeminal nerve is the primary cranial nerve responsible for sensation in the face. It is the fifth cranial nerve and has three major branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves. Each of these branches innervates different areas of the face, providing sensation to the forehead, cheeks, jaw, and other regions. This extensive network allows the trigeminal nerve to convey sensory information, such as touch, pain, and temperature, from the facial skin and structures to the brain.

In contrast, while the facial nerve is involved in motor functions and also provides some sensory information related to taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, it does not supply the facial sensation. The optic nerve is responsible for vision, transmitting visual information from the retina of the eye, and the vagus nerve primarily regulates functions of the internal organs, such as the heart and digestive tract, rather than facial sensation. Thus, the trigeminal nerve is essential for facial sensory perception, making it the correct answer.