Hypoglossal Nerve

Introduction[edit | edit source]

It is the 12 cranial nerves that originate from the medulla obligate of the brain stem.


innervation[edit | edit source]

it gives only somatic motor innervation for all extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the tongue except the palatoglossus, innervated by the vagus nerve.

examination[edit | edit source]

Examining the hypoglossal nerve involves observation of the primary innervation target of the nerve; the tongue. The three observable aspects of the tongue are strength, bulk, and dexterity. Special attention is given when the tongue is weak, atrophied, moving abnormally, or impaired.

<ref>phtsiotutors. Cranial Nerve 12 | Hypoglossal Nerve Assessment for Physiotherapists.available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6X8vMYTSHs

lesion[edit | edit source]

1/ UMNL: unilateral: deviation of the tongue to the opposite side of the lesion. bilateral: inability to protrude the tongue. note in both cases there is no wasting or fasciculation 2/LMNL: unilateral: deviation of the tongue to the side of the lesion.

bilateral:  inability to protrude the tongue.

note in both cases there is wasting and fasciculation.

References[edit | edit source]