Twelfth

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Twelfth Cranial Nerve (Hypoglossal Nerve)

The Twelfth Cranial Nerve or Hypoglossal Nerve is one of the twelve cranial nerves that are part of the peripheral nervous system. It is responsible for the motor control of the tongue.

Pronunciation

  • Twelfth Cranial Nerve: /twɛlfθ 'kræniəl nɜrv/
  • Hypoglossal Nerve: /ˌhaɪpoʊˈɡlɒsəl nɜrv/

Etymology

The term "Hypoglossal" is derived from the Greek words "hypo" meaning under and "glossa" meaning tongue. This refers to the nerve's course under the tongue.

Function

The Twelfth Cranial Nerve is primarily a motor nerve, controlling the movement of the tongue. It is essential for speech, swallowing, and the manipulation of food in the mouth.

Related Terms

  • Cranial nerve: Any of the twelve paired nerves that emerge directly from the brain, not from the spinal cord.
  • Peripheral nervous system: The part of the nervous system that consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord.
  • Tongue: The muscular organ in the mouth that is used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and (in humans) articulating speech.

See Also

External links

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