Hypoglossal Nerve

**Definition:** The 12th cranial nerve. The hypoglossal nerve originates in the hypoglossal nucleus of the medulla and supplies motor innervation to all of the muscles of the tongue except the palatoglossus (which is supplied by the vagus). This nerve also contains proprioceptive afferents from the tongue muscles.

**Tree numbers:** - A08.800.800.120.330

**Synonyms:** - Cranial Nerve XII - Twelfth Cranial Nerve - Nervus Hypoglossus - Nerve XII