## Core Concept
The chorda tympani nerve is a branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) that carries taste fibers from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and parasympathetic fibers to the submandibular gland. An intratemporal lesion of the chorda tympani nerve would affect these functions.

## Why the Correct Answer is Right
An intratemporal lesion of the chorda tympani nerve would lead to **dysgeusia** (altered taste) or **ageusia** (loss of taste) in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and could also affect salivation due to the disruption of parasympathetic fibers to the submandibular gland. However, the most direct and commonly tested consequence is the loss of taste.

## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because an intratemporal lesion of the chorda tympani primarily affects taste and salivation, not motor functions like mastication.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect as the primary issue is not with swallowing but with taste and possibly salivation.
* **Option C:** While this option might seem related due to the involvement of the facial nerve, the specific question about the chorda tympani points towards taste and salivation issues rather than broader facial weakness.

## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that the chorda tympani nerve's role in taste sensation can be tested using a sweet, sour, salty, or bitter substance on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. A lesion here would impair this sensation.

## Correct Answer: D.