Hypoglossal nerve

CN XII

origin and course

nuclei in medulla oblongata
exits skull at hypoglossal canal (medial to jugular foramen) with ascending pharyngeal artery

important supply

intrinsic tongue muscles apart from palatoglossus (which is supplied by Vagus nerve)

lesion

mechanism

  • penetrating neck injury
  • classically, after carotid endarterectomy

clinical presentation

tongue deviation to side of lesion