Hypoglossal nerve
Hypoglossal Nerve
The Hypoglossal Nerve (pronounced: hi-po-GLOS-sal nerve) is the twelfth cranial nerve in the human body. The term "hypoglossal" is derived from the Greek words "hypo", meaning under, and "glossa", meaning tongue.
Function
The Hypoglossal Nerve is primarily responsible for the movement of the tongue. It controls the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue, which are crucial for speech, swallowing (deglutition), and the manipulation of food in the mouth.
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 occipital bone of the skull, before it reaches the tongue.
Clinical Significance
Damage to the Hypoglossal Nerve can result in hypoglossal nerve palsy, a condition characterized by a deviation of the tongue to the affected side, difficulty in speech (dysarthria), and difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia). This can be caused by a variety of conditions, including stroke, tumor, and infection.
Related Terms
- Cranial nerves
- Medulla oblongata
- Brainstem
- Occipital bone
- Hypoglossal nerve palsy
- Dysarthria
- Dysphagia
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypoglossal nerve
- Wikipedia's article - Hypoglossal nerve
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