Which cranial nerve is responsible for supplying motor fibers to the muscles of facial expression?

The 7th cranial nerve, also known as the facial nerve, is responsible for supplying motor fibers to the muscles of facial expression. This nerve emerges from the brainstem and innervates the muscles that allow us to perform movements such as smiling, frowning, and other facial expressions. Additionally, it plays a key role in transmitting taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and autonomic functions like salivation and lacrimation.

Understanding the functions of the cranial nerves is crucial in dental practice, especially when considering local anesthesia and potential complications relating to nerve damage or dysfunction. The facial nerve's primary focus on facial muscles and expression differentiates it from other cranial nerves, which may have sensory or different motor functions that do not pertain specifically to facial expression.