Cranial nerve XII: the hypoglossal nerve

Semin Neurol. 2009 Feb;29(1):45-52. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1124022. Epub 2009 Feb 12.

Abstract

The hypoglossal nerve provides motor innervation to the tongue, and may be affected by pathology at multiple locations along its pathway. Knowledge of its anatomy and careful examination of the tongue are important in the diagnosis of lesions and determination of appropriate testing. The hypoglossal nerve anatomy and physiology, clinical disorders, and the evaluation of the hypoglossal nerve are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Afferent Pathways / pathology
  • Afferent Pathways / physiopathology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Humans
  • Hypoglossal Nerve / anatomy & histology
  • Hypoglossal Nerve / pathology*
  • Hypoglossal Nerve / physiology
  • Hypoglossal Nerve / physiopathology*
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases / pathology
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases / physiopathology
  • Tongue / innervation*
  • Tongue / pathology
  • Tongue / physiopathology
  • Tongue Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Tongue Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tongue Neoplasms / physiopathology