nerve to the stapedius

The Nerve to the Stapedius (tympanic branch) arises opposite the pyramidal eminence.

Before the nerve exits the skull via the stylomastoid foramen and after the nerve to the stapedius muscle has branched off, the facial nerve gives off the chorda tympani nerve.

Because both the nerve to the stapedius and the chorda tympani nerve (taste) are branches of the facial nerve, patients with Bell's palsy may present with hyperacusis or loss of taste sensation in the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.