Final answer:
The facial nerve passes through the parotid gland before dividing into its five branches, but it does not innervate this gland.
Step-by-step explanation:
The facial nerve, also known as the seventh cranial nerve, is responsible for contraction of facial muscles, part of the sense of taste, and stimulating saliva production in the parotid gland. Before it separates into its five terminal branches—the temporal, zygomatic, buccal, mandibular, and cervical branches—the facial nerve interfaces with several structures. However, it does not travel through salivary glands such as the lacrimal gland, submaxillary gland, or sublingual gland before branching. The glands mentioned are involved with saliva and tear production but are not pathways for the facial nerve. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and lies superficially to the facial nerve. During its course, the facial nerve passes through the parotid gland without innervating it, and it is in the vicinity of this gland where the nerve divides into its five terminal branches to innervate the muscles responsible for facial expressions.