New Jersey State Board Esthetics Practice Exam

What type of nerve is the facial nerve known to be?

1. Motor Nerve

2. Sensory Nerve

3. Mixed Nerve

4. Autonomic Nerve

The correct answer is: Motor Nerve

The facial nerve is primarily known as a motor nerve because it is responsible for innervating the muscles of facial expression. It plays a crucial role in controlling movements such as smiling, frowning, and other facial expressions, making it predominantly motor in function. While the facial nerve does carry some sensory fibers, particularly for taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, its most significant role is in motor function. This is why it holds an important place in esthetics and beauty treatments, where facial expressions are key to client satisfaction. The other classifications, such as sensory or autonomic, do not capture the primary function of the facial nerve as accurately as motor does. Hence, identifying it as a motor nerve is appropriate in the context of its main responsibilities.