What nerve innervates the anterior 2/3 of the tongue?

The lingual nerve is the correct answer because it is responsible for providing sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. This nerve branches from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V3) and carries general sensory information, such as touch, temperature, and pain, from this region of the tongue.

In contrast, the buccal nerve primarily innervates the buccal mucosa and is not involved with the tongue; the mental nerve supplies sensation to the chin and lower lip, and the mylohyoid nerve innervates the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, also not related to the sensory innervation of the tongue. Understanding the specific functions of these nerves is essential in dental practice, especially when considering local anesthesia techniques for procedures in the oral cavity.