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==Hypoglossal nerve (XII)==

==Hypoglossal nerve (XII)==

The hypoglossal nerve is part of the group of cranial nerves responsible for the control of muscles of the head. It is in part a cervical nerve due to its caudal position on the [[Hindbrain - Anatomy & Physiology|brain stem]]. The nerve is composed of '''general somatic efferent fibres''' which control the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue (together with other nerves including the lingual nerve, facial nerve, lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve). The nucleus of the nerve is located within the ''medulla oblongata'' of the brain stem and it passes through the '''hypoglossal canal'''.

The hypoglossal nerve is part of the group of cranial nerves responsible for the control of muscles of the head. It is in part a cervical nerve due to its caudal position on the [[Equine Brain - Horse Anatomy#Hindbrain|brainstem]]. The nerve is composed of '''general somatic efferent fibres''' which control the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue (together with other nerves including the lingual nerve, facial nerve, lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve). The nucleus of the nerve is located within the ''medulla oblongata'' of the [[Equine Brain - Horse Anatomy#Hindbrain|brainstem]] and it passes through the '''hypoglossal canal'''.

During a clinical examination any deviation of the tongue may indicate a problem with this nerve. Deviation of the tongue is always to the side of the lesion initially.

During a clinical examination any deviation of the tongue may indicate a problem with this nerve. Deviation of the tongue is always to the side of the lesion initially.