Which cranial nerve provides general sensation to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue?

The cranial nerve responsible for providing general sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is indeed CN V3, also known as the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve is crucial in the sensory innervation of the oral cavity, specifically for the anterior part of the tongue. The mandibular branch encompasses fibers that carry sensory information from the skin of the lower face and the lower oral cavity, including the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

The role of CN V3 includes transmitting touch, pain, and temperature sensations from this area. It is worth noting that while CN VII, the facial nerve, does play a role in taste sensation within the anterior two-thirds of the tongue through its chorda tympani branch, it does not provide general sensory information. Instead, CN V3 takes on that vital role, ensuring that the sensation from this region is accurately conveyed to the central nervous system. Therefore, the significance of CN V3 in sensory functions of the tongue highlights its importance in cranial nerve anatomy and physiology.