During tongue protrusion, the organ deviates toward the right side. Which nerve has likely suffered damage ?
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Answer: C. Right hypoglossal
Explanation
Damage to the right hypoglossal nerve causes the tongue to deviate toward the injured side. Unbalanced muscle contraction pushes the protruded tongue toward the weak or ipsilateral side during movement. The right genioglossus muscle fails to function properly, allowing the intact left side to dominate. Cranial nerve twelve supplies motor innervation to all intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue. Tongue protrusion is primarily driven by the bilateral action of the genioglossus muscle fibers. Ipsilateral weakness causes a noticeable asymmetry when the patient attempts to stick their tongue out.
Neurological assessments of stroke patients routinely check tongue protrusion symmetry to detect nerve injury. Trauma to the neck or surgical complications during carotid endarterectomy can occasionally injure this nerve. Speech articulation and swallowing difficulties often accompany unilateral paralysis of the hypoglossal nerve. Left hypoglossal nerve damage would cause deviation toward the left side instead of the right. The glossopharyngeal nerve primarily provides taste and sensory innervation to the posterior third of tongue. The facial nerve controls facial expression muscles rather than controlling motor movements of the tongue.
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