In facial palsy, food accumulated in the mouth dueto paralysis of-
**Core Concept**
Facial palsy, also known as Bell's palsy, is a condition characterized by the paralysis of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). This results in the weakness or paralysis of the muscles of facial expression, including the buccinator muscle, which plays a crucial role in chewing and speaking.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The buccinator muscle is responsible for compressing the cheek against the teeth to form a pouch for holding food. In the case of facial palsy, the paralysis of the buccinator muscle leads to its inability to compress the cheek, resulting in food accumulation in the mouth. This is due to the loss of function of the facial nerve, which innervates the buccinator muscle.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is involved in eye closure, is not directly responsible for food accumulation in the mouth.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because the zygomaticus major muscle, which is involved in smiling, is not responsible for the function of forming a pouch for holding food.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because the digastric muscle, which is involved in opening the jaw, is not responsible for the function of compressing the cheek against the teeth.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The buccinator muscle is one of the muscles of facial expression that is innervated by the facial nerve. In cases of facial palsy, the paralysis of this muscle can lead to difficulty in chewing and speaking.
**Correct Answer: C. Digastric muscle**