A 28-year-old man undergoes surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular third molar under local anesthesia. Intraoperatively, the surgeon notes close proximity of the tooth root to the inferior alveolar canal on preoperative panoramic radiographs. Post-extraction, the patient develops persistent numbness and paresthesias affecting the anterior two-thirds of the tongue tip, with intact motor function of the tongue musculature. There is no associated facial drooping or trismus. Which nerve structure was most likely damaged during the procedure?

1. A)Mylohyoid nerve
2. B)Lingual nerveGABARITO
3. C)Chorda tympani
4. D)Mental nerve
5. E)Auriculotemporal nerve