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CN XII Tongue Motor — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModerateAnatomyCN XII Tongue MotorFRCA Primary

The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) innervates:

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Correct answer: EAll intrinsic and most extrinsic muscles of the tongue

CN XII innervates all intrinsic tongue muscles and all extrinsic tongue muscles except palatoglossus (which is innervated by the vagus/pharyngeal plexus). Unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy causes the tongue to deviate towards the affected side on protrusion (due to unopposed action of the contralateral genioglossus).

Reference: RCoA 2021 Primary FRCA Curriculum