How Does Anatomy Dissected: Cranial Nerve VII (facial nerve) Work?

Your face has a special helper wire called the facial nerve, which acts like a remote control for your smile and tears.

Think of your brain as the boss, and the facial nerve is the messenger. It travels from your brain down to every part of your face. It sends instructions to your muscles to move them. When you smile, pout, or stick out your tongue, this nerve is giving the order to your cheeks, lips, and eyes to shape your expression.

This nerve also handles your body's internal weather system. It tells your tear glands to produce tears when your eyes get dry or when you cry. It also connects your taste buds on the front two-thirds of your tongue to your brain. This is how you know if your apple is sweet or your lemon is sour. If this nerve gets pinched or tired, your face might feel numb or weak, like a remote with low batteries.