Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

Cranial nerve XII is responsible for which of the following?

1. Facial expressions

2. Tongue movement

3. Swallowing

4. Hearing

The correct answer is: Tongue movement

Cranial nerve XII, also known as the hypoglossal nerve, is primarily responsible for the movement of the tongue. This nerve innervates the muscles of the tongue, which are crucial for various functions such as articulation, swallowing, and manipulating food. The ability to move the tongue effectively is essential for speech production and the process of swallowing, as it plays a key role in moving food around in the mouth and pushing it into the pharynx for swallowing. While other cranial nerves and structures are involved in facial expressions, swallowing, and hearing, hypoglossal nerve's specific function focuses on controlling the motor functions of the tongue. This specialization makes it vital for tasks that require tongue movement, distinguishing it from other cranial nerves that govern different functions in the body.