Cranial Nerve VII is primarily responsible for which action?

Prepare for the PSI Family Nurse Practitioner Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

Cranial Nerve VII, also known as the facial nerve, primarily controls the muscles responsible for facial expressions. This includes movements that help with a range of actions such as smiling, frowning, and closing the eyes. The facial nerve is also involved in the sensation of taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and carries parasympathetic fibers to glands in the head and neck, including the salivary and lacrimal glands. Thus, the main function of Cranial Nerve VII revolves around motor activities related to facial expression.

In contrast, other options focus on entirely different functions. Vision is primarily associated with Cranial Nerve II, which is responsible for sight. Balance is governed mainly by the vestibular component of the eighth cranial nerve, and the sense of smell relates to the first cranial nerve, known as the olfactory nerve. Therefore, the correct answer clearly highlights the specific role of Cranial Nerve VII as it pertains to muscle movement and expression in the face.

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