CN VII, also known as the facial nerve, is the seventh cranial nerve responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression. It also plays a role in the sense of taste for the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and provides some functions related to salivary and tear glands. The facial nerve emerges from the brainstem and travels through the temporal bone of the skull before branching out to various facial muscles. Damage to CN VII can lead to conditions such as Bell's palsy, which causes temporary weakness or paralysis of one side of the face.