What Is the Hypoglossal Nerve?

Hypoglossal Nerve | Cranial Nerve XII / CN XII Assessment

Hypoglossal Nerve | Functions, Test & Damage

The hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) is a motor nerve that controls the movement of the tongue. It originates from the medulla oblongata and exits the skull through the hypoglossal canal. The nerve innervates all intrinsic and most extrinsic muscles of the tongue (except the palatoglossus, which is supplied by the vagus nerve). Function: Controls tongue movement for speech, swallowing, and chewing. Clinical significance: 1. Lesions cause tongue deviation toward the affected side, muscle wea