Which of the following tests are associated with cranial nerve VII (facial nerve)?

The correct choice is related to the evaluation of facial nerve function, which is crucial for the motor control of facial expressions. The facial nerve, or cranial nerve VII, primarily innervates the muscles of facial expression, enabling actions such as raising the eyebrows and smiling. When assessing cranial nerve VII, clinicians will often ask patients to perform specific movements to observe the symmetry and strength of these facial muscles.

When a patient raises their eyebrows and smiles, it activates the muscles controlled by the facial nerve, allowing for a direct examination of its functionality. Any asymmetry or weakness noted during these movements could indicate a dysfunction of the facial nerve, which can happen in conditions such as Bell's palsy or after a stroke.

The other possible tests listed, such as protruding the tongue, are associated with cranial nerve XII (hypoglossal nerve) and are aimed at assessing tongue movement and strength. The cardinal positions of gaze pertain to cranial nerves III (oculomotor), IV (trochlear), and VI (abducens), which control eye movements, while the gag reflex is mediated by cranial nerves IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus). Hence, these tests do not pertain to