All of the following are supplied by facial nerve, EXCEPT?
**Core Concept**
The facial nerve is a mixed nerve that supplies both sensory and motor functions to various structures in the face. It is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression, transmitting taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and providing sensory innervation to the external ear and the soft palate.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The facial nerve is primarily responsible for the motor innervation of the muscles of facial expression, including the orbicularis oculi, zygomaticus major, and platysma. It also provides taste fibers to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. In contrast, the sensory innervation of the tongue is primarily provided by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) for the posterior one-third and the lingual nerve (a branch of the trigeminal nerve) for the anterior two-thirds.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The facial nerve does supply the stapedius muscle, which is responsible for stabilizing the stapes bone in the middle ear and regulating sound. This is correct, so we'll skip it.
**Option B:** The buccinator muscle is supplied by the facial nerve, which is responsible for controlling facial expressions and helping to form the oral cavity. This is correct, so we'll skip it.
**Option C:** The stylohyoid muscle is supplied by the facial nerve, which is responsible for controlling the movement of the hyoid bone in the neck. This is correct, so we'll skip it.
**Option D:** The lingual nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve, provides sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. This is the correct answer because the lingual nerve is not supplied by the facial nerve.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that the facial nerve is responsible for the motor innervation of the muscles of facial expression, but not for the sensory innervation of the tongue. This can be a classic exam trap, so make sure to distinguish between the functions of the facial nerve and other cranial nerves.
**Correct Answer:** D. The lingual nerve.