What action is associated with the hypoglossal nerve?

What action is associated with the hypoglossal nerve?

• A. Shoulder movement
• B. Tongue movement
• C. Facial sensations
• D. Heart rate regulation

Answer: (B)

The hypoglossal nerve, which is cranial nerve XII, is primarily responsible for controlling the movements of the tongue. This includes actions such as tongue positioning, which is essential for tasks like speaking, swallowing, and manipulating food within the mouth. Proper functioning of the hypoglossal nerve ensures coordinated movement of the tongue, enabling effective oral communication and digestion. The other choices do not relate to the function of the hypoglossal nerve. Shoulder movement is associated with the accessory nerve, facial sensations are primarily mediated by the trigeminal nerve, and heart rate regulation is largely controlled by the autonomic components of the vagus nerve. Understanding these associations can clarify the diverse roles played by the various cranial nerves in the human body.

The hypoglossal nerve, which is cranial nerve XII, is primarily responsible for controlling the movements of the tongue. This includes actions such as tongue positioning, which is essential for tasks like speaking, swallowing, and manipulating food within the mouth. Proper functioning of the hypoglossal nerve ensures coordinated movement of the tongue, enabling effective oral communication and digestion.

The other choices do not relate to the function of the hypoglossal nerve. Shoulder movement is associated with the accessory nerve, facial sensations are primarily mediated by the trigeminal nerve, and heart rate regulation is largely controlled by the autonomic components of the vagus nerve. Understanding these associations can clarify the diverse roles played by the various cranial nerves in the human body.