Final answer:
The trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve V) and the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII) are involved when pushing a mask down on a patient's eyes. The trigeminal nerve carries sensory information, and the facial nerve controls the motor response that leads to blinking, through the corneal reflex.
Step-by-step explanation:
When asking about what cranial nerve will come into play if you push the mask down on the patient's eyes, it is essential to understand how the cranial nerves function in relation to the sensory and motor pathways. In this scenario, the trigeminal nerve and the facial nerve are involved. The trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve V) carries the sensory information from the stimulation of the cornea or face, while the facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII) controls the motor response, specifically innervating the muscles like the orbicularis oculi that will close the eye as a reflex action to protect it.
The corneal reflex, or eye blink reflex, is a specialized response that protects the eye. During this reflex, sensory information travels through the trigeminal nerve, causing the motor response through the facial nerve leading to the blinking of the eye. This reflex is an automatic response to stimuli such as tactile contact or bright light. In the context of a clinical examination, such as the one described in the video link, the clinician may ask a patient to try to keep their eyes shut against resistance to test the strength and function of the facial nerve.