The facial nerve innervates which of the following?

The facial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VII, is primarily responsible for the innervation of the muscles of facial expression. This includes movements such as smiling, frowning, and other facial gestures. In addition to controlling facial muscles, the facial nerve is also involved in the function of several salivary glands, specifically the submandibular and sublingual glands, which play a crucial role in the production of saliva.

Understanding the functions attributed to the facial nerve clarifies why the choice indicating its involvement with facial expression and salivary glands is accurate. The other options provided did not capture the correct combination of functions performed by the facial nerve. Options mentioning facial sensation or taste sensation on the posterior tongue reference functions that are attributed to different cranial nerves, reaffirming the distinctive role of the facial nerve in facial movement and certain glandular functions.