Final answer:
The general sensory innervation of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is provided by the lingual nerve, while specific taste sensation is carried by the facial nerve's chorda tympani branch.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nerve that carries general sensory innervation to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue is the lingual nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). However, for taste sensation which involves specific sensory innervation, the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) serves the anterior two-thirds of the tongue via the chorda tympani.
To understand the sensory innervation of the tongue, one must differentiate between general and special sensory modalities. While the lingual nerve is responsible for the touch, temperature, and pain sensations, it is the facial nerve's role to convey taste. This division is essential for neurological examinations where these nerves' integrity can be tested by their respective sensory functions.
Special sensors for taste on the anterior portion are stimulated by presenting taste stimuli such as salty, sour, bitter, or sweet compounds. Sensory neurons convey the signals to the brain to process the sensations of taste and general mouth sensations. Thus, the facial nerve is crucial not only for taste perception but also for eliciting salivation in response to the stimuli.