What cranial nerve provides motor innervation for the muscles of the tongue?

The hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) is responsible for providing motor innervation to the muscles of the tongue. This nerve is crucial for movements that involve chewing, swallowing, and speaking, as the tongue plays a significant role in these activities.

The hypoglossal nerve specifically innervates all intrinsic and most extrinsic muscles of the tongue, allowing for precise and coordinated movements necessary for articulation and manipulation of food. This motor function is essential for effective communication and digestion.

In contrast, the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) is primarily responsible for sensory functions in the oropharynx and does have a minor role in the gag reflex, but it does not innervate tongue muscles. The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) primarily focuses on autonomic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract, while the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) is mainly involved in sensation for the face and motor functions for the muscles of mastication, not the tongue. Thus, the specific function of the hypoglossal nerve in controlling tongue movement makes it the correct answer.