What is the meaning of the word "facial nerve"?

Definitions:

  1. A mixed nerve, meaning it has both motor and sensory components, and it plays a crucial role in facial expressions, taste sensation, and certain glandular functions. copy to clipboard NOUN
    • Damage to the facial nerve can result in an inability to close the eye on the affected side, leading to dryness and potential eye damage. copy to clipboard
  2. A paired structure that controls the muscles of facial expression, and functions in the conveyance of taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue ad oral cavity. copy to clipboard NOUN
    • During surgery, the surgeon took great care to avoid damaging the facial nerve to prevent any loss of facial muscle control. copy to clipboard
  3. One of the twelve cranial nerves in the human body. copy to clipboard NOUN
    • The patient was diagnosed with Bell's palsy, which affected the function of his facial nerve, causing teporary facial paralysis. copy to clipboard

Synonyms: