Which muscles are supplied by Facial nerve?
**Core Concept**
The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) is a mixed nerve that supplies the muscles of facial expression, among other functions. These muscles are responsible for controlling facial movements, such as smiling, frowning, and eye closure.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The facial nerve supplies the muscles of facial expression through its buccal and marginal mandibular branches. These branches innervate the muscles of the face, including the orbicularis oculi, orbicularis oris, and zygomaticus major, among others. The facial nerve also supplies the stapedius muscle in the middle ear and the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. The innervation of these muscles allows for precise control over facial movements.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) is responsible for supplying the muscles of mastication, not the muscles of facial expression.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) is responsible for supplying the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, not the muscles of facial expression.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) is responsible for supplying the muscles of the tongue, not the muscles of facial expression.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the facial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression, which can be affected in conditions such as Bell's palsy or stroke.
**Correct Answer: C. Muscles of facial expression**