The hypoglossal nerve is the motor nerve to the tongue, with unilateral palsy producing tongue deviation toward the weak side on protrusion (the intact genioglossus pushes the tongue toward the paralysed side). It carries C1 fibres for the infrahyoid strap muscles (geniohyoid and thyrohyoid). The hypoglossal-to-facial nerve anastomosis restores facial tone and movement in facial palsy.
| Origin | Hypoglossal nucleus in the medulla (dorsal motor column) |
|---|---|
| Course | Exits through the hypoglossal canal of the occipital bone, passes between the internal and external carotid arteries, hooks around the occipital artery, passes deep to the digastric posterior belly, enters the submandibular triangle, and runs forward to the tongue |
| Motor |
|
| Sensory |
|
Hypoglossal nerve palsy from skull base tumour, carotid endarterectomy, or trauma produces ipsilateral tongue weakness and atrophy. XII-VII anastomosis (hypoglossal-facial nerve transfer) restores facial tone and voluntary movement, the patient activates the face by tongue movements. The 'jump' graft (partial XII sacrifice + ansa cervicalis nerve graft to CN XII cut end) preserves some tongue function while providing reinnervation to the facial nerve.
Unilateral tongue weakness from XII lesion producing tongue deviation to the weak side managed with speech therapy or XII-VII anastomosis for permanent palsy.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
