Watch this short video (http://openstaxcollege.org/l...

Name: Problem 5, Chapter 16: Anatomy and Physiology of Animals
Uploaded: 2020-06-29T05:27:19-08:00
Duration: 1 min 10 s
Channel: Jorge Villanueva

Watch this short video (http://openstaxcollege.org/l facialnerve) to see an examination of the facial nerve using some simple tests. The facial nerve controls the muscles of facial expression. Severe deficits will be obvious in watching someone use those muscles for normal control. One side of the face might not move like the other side. But directed tests, especially for contraction against resistance, require a formal testing of the muscles. The muscles of the upper and lower face need to be tested. The strength test in this video involves the patient squeezing her eyes shut and the examiner trying to pry her eyes open. Why does the examiner ask her to try a second time?

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

Ensuring Reliability of Clinical Findings

Repeating the test helps confirm the consistency and reliability of the observed response. A second attempt can rule out the possibility of a false negative result due to factors like inadequate patient effort, misunderstanding of instructions, or temporary variability in muscle performance, ensuring that any detected weakness is a genuine sign of a deficit.

Muscle Strength Testing

Testing muscle strength by applying resistance (such as having the patient squeeze their eyes shut against external force) is an essential clinical method. This type of examination assesses the integrity of neuromuscular function by detecting subtle differences in the ability of muscles to contract forcefully, which may not be observable during spontaneous expression.

Facial Nerve Function

The facial nerve controls the muscles responsible for facial expression. Understanding its role is crucial for assessing symmetry in movement and ensuring that both upper and lower face muscles are functioning correctly. Any deficiency can lead to noticeable asymmetry, especially during voluntary movements.

Transcript

Please give Ace some feedback