Which nerves, if damaged, can affect taste sensation?

The chorda tympani and the lingual nerve are both crucial for the taste sensation from the tongue. The chorda tympani is a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) and specifically carries taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Damage to this nerve can result in a loss of taste in that area.

The lingual nerve, a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3), is primarily responsible for the general sensation (touch, pain, temperature) from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, but it also carries taste fibers from the chorda tympani. If the lingual nerve is damaged, it can disrupt connections with the chorda tympani and thus affect taste.

Both these nerves are intimately involved in the perception of taste. Therefore, if either the chorda tympani or the lingual nerve is compromised, it can lead to a diminished or altered taste sensation. This makes the combined answer regarding both the chorda tympani and the lingual nerve the correct choice, as they work together in transmitting taste information from specific areas of the tongue.

Other options, such as the phrenic nerve, are not involved in taste sensation; the