The facial nerve, also known as CN VII, is a cranial nerve responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression. It emerges from the brainstem and travels through the skull to innervate various facial muscles, allowing for movements such as smiling, frowning, and blinking. In addition to motor functions, the facial nerve carries sensory information from the taste buds on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. It also provides parasympathetic innervation to glands, including the salivary glands and lacrimal glands, facilitating saliva and tear production.