Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII): The facial nerve arises from the ventrolateral surface of the pons at its junction with the medulla. It is composed mostly of motor fibers which supply the muscles of the face, including those that close the eyes, parasympathetic relays to the lacrimal gland (which produces tears) and the salivary glands, taste fibers from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and some cutaneous fibers from the external ear.