Facial Paralysis

Which muscle wrinkles the forehead

Occipitofrontalis

Which muscle closes the eyelids tightly

Orbicularis oculi

Which muscles are involved in smiling

Risorius, levator anguli oris, zygomaticus major and minor

Which muscle is primarily involved in whistling

Buccinator

What facial features are seen in a CN VII lesion

Inability to puff out the cheek, inability to smile, frown and raise the eyebrow on the affected side.

Why can the eye remain open during sleep in Bell’s palsy

Paralysis or obicularis oculi prevents eyelid closure, while levator palpebrae superioris (CN III) acts unopposed.

Why do tears run down the cheek in Bell’s Palsy

Paralysis of orbicularis oculi prevents the lacrimal puncta and eyelids from maintaining normal contact with the eye, impairing tear drainage.

What corneal complication can occur in Bell’s palsy and why

Corneal ulceration due to corneal drying when the eyelids remain open during sleep.