Hypoglossal nerve

Anatomy

Course
Also known as the twelfth cranial nerve, it originates from the medulla. It passes through the hypoglossal canal and tucks in behind the vagus nerve and passes between the internal jugular vein and the internal carotid artery. It finally enters the submandibular region to reach the tongue.

Supply

Motor supply to the whole tongue with the exception of the palatoglossus muscle.

Clinical

When a patient with a damaged hypoglossal nerve is asked to stick out their tongue, it will point to the affected side.

Interested in taking our award-winning Pocket Anatomy app for a test drive?