What cranial nerve is responsible for the efferent component of the corneal reflex?

The cranial nerve responsible for the efferent component of the corneal reflex is the Facial Nerve, also known as Cranial Nerve VII. Here are the steps to understand this:

1. The corneal reflex, also known as the blink reflex, is an involuntary blinking response due to stimulation of the cornea.

2. This reflex involves two cranial nerves. The afferent limb of the reflex arc is mediated by the sensory fibers of the ophthalmic branch (V1) of the Trigeminal Nerve (Cranial Nerve V).

3. The efferent limb, which is the response or output, is mediated by the Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII). This nerve stimulates the orbicularis oculi muscle to contract, causing the eye to blink.

4. Therefore, the Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII) is responsible for the efferent component of the corneal reflex.