Anatomy & Histology · single question
A patient protrudes the tongue and it deviates to the right. Which nerve is affected?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Right hypoglossal
- A. The glossopharyngeal (CN IX) handles posterior taste/sensation and the gag reflex, not tongue motor function.
- B. Same — CN IX is not the tongue's motor nerve.
- C. A left hypoglossal lesion would cause deviation to the LEFT (toward the weak side).
- D. Correct. CN XII is motor to the tongue; the tongue deviates TOWARD the lesioned side, so right deviation = right hypoglossal lesion.
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