IV.B.3 Head: CN VII Page 2 of 5

Upon entering the facial canal the two roots fuse to form the facial nerve. In this area the nerve enlarges and form the geniculate ganglion which is similar to a spinal ganglion in that it contains cell bodies for sensory neurons.

Just past the ganglion, the facial nerve gives off the greater petrosal nerve.

Just before exiting the temporal bone via the stylomastoid foramen, the facial nerve gives off the nerve to parts of the middle ear (the stapedius) and the chordae tympani.

The facial nerve is the only occupant of the stylomastoid foramen.