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The hypoglossal nerve innervates certain muscles that control movement of the tongue. From the hypoglossal nucleus in the medulla oblongata, general somatic efferent fibres exit the cranial cavity through the hypoglossal canal and enter the neck in close proximity to the accessory and vagus nerves and the internal carotid artery. The nerve then loops down and forward into the floor of the mouth...
Atrophy and weakness of the tongue muscles supplied by the hypoglossal nerve can be assessed by measuring the deviation of the tongue when extended toward the weak side.
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