A patient presents with difficulty chewing and numbness over the right side of the face. Examination reveals weakness in the muscles of mastication and impaired sensation to touch and pain in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Which cranial nerve is most likely affected?
✓ Correct Answer: Option C
The trigeminal nerve (CN V) provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication (masseter, temporalis, pterygoids) and sensory innervation to the face, including touch and pain. Its dysfunction would cause the symptoms described.