Hypoglossal

Hypoglossal refers to the twelfth cranial nerve, which is responsible for the movement of most of the muscles in the tongue. The term "hypoglossal" is derived from the Greek words "hypo," meaning under, and "glossa," meaning tongue.

Anatomy

The hypoglossal nerve originates in the medulla oblongata, a part of the brainstem. It travels through the hypoglossal canal, a small passage in the skull, before it reaches the tongue. The nerve is responsible for the movement of the muscles in the tongue, except for the palatoglossus muscle, which is innervated by the vagus nerve.

Function

The primary function of the hypoglossal nerve is to control the movements of the tongue. This includes movements related to speech, swallowing, and the manipulation of food in the mouth. Damage to the hypoglossal nerve can result in difficulty with these functions.

Clinical significance

Damage to the hypoglossal nerve can result in a condition known as hypoglossal nerve palsy. This condition can cause difficulty with speech and swallowing, and may also result in a deviation of the tongue to the side of the injury when the tongue is protruded.

See also

• Cranial nerves
• Medulla oblongata
• Vagus nerve
• Hypoglossal nerve palsy

References

Hypoglossal Resources
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