The hypoglossal nerve is one of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves in your body.
Location and Origin
- The hypoglossal nerve originates at the base of your brain.
- It descends through your neck.
- It then branches out, reaching its final destination at the base and underside of your tongue.
Meaning of the Name
- The name "hypoglossal" comes from Greek:
- "Hypo" means under.
- "Glossal" refers to tongue.
- Therefore, it means "under the tongue."
Functions
While not explicitly mentioned in the reference, the hypoglossal nerve is primarily responsible for the motor function of the tongue muscles. This enables us to perform functions like:
- Speaking
- Swallowing
- Chewing
Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Cranial Nerve |
| Number | One of 12 paired nerves |
| Origin | Base of the brain |
| Path | Travels down the neck and branches to the base and underside of tongue |
| Meaning | "Under the tongue" |
| Primary Function | Motor control of tongue movement |
