Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

What is the role of the chorda tympani nerve?

1. General sensation of the posterior tongue

2. Taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue

3. Smell sensation from the nasal cavity

4. Motor function for mastication

The correct answer is: Taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue

The chorda tympani nerve plays a crucial role in taste sensation, specifically providing taste innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. This nerve is a branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) and carries special sensory fibers that enable the perception of taste in that area. While taste sensation is its primary function, the chorda tympani also provides parasympathetic fibers to the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands, contributing to the production of saliva. However, its key function directly related to the question is its involvement in taste sensation. Other options relate to different functions or areas of the nervous system. The general sensation of the posterior tongue is covered by the glossopharyngeal nerve, the sense of smell is managed by the olfactory nerve, and motor functions for mastication are provided by the trigeminal nerve. Thus, the focus on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue makes the correct answer specific to the sensory role of the chorda tympani nerve in taste.