Final answer:
The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) provides innervation to the muscles of facial expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cranial nerve that provides innervation to the muscles of facial expression is the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).
The facial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of the face, including those that produce facial expressions. It innervates the muscles involved in smiling, frowning, closing the eyes, raising the eyebrows, and many other facial movements.
For example, when you smile, the facial nerve sends signals to the muscles in your face, causing them to contract and produce the smiling expression.