A patient presents with complete paralysis of the muscles of facial expression on the right side of his face, including the inability to wrinkle his forehead, close his right eye, or smile symmetrically. Taste sensation is also impaired on the anterior two-thirds of the right tongue. This presentation is most consistent with a lesion of which cranial nerve?
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
The facial nerve (CN VII) innervates all muscles of facial expression and carries taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. A complete unilateral lesion affects both upper and lower facial muscles.