Which cranial nerve controls tongue movements?

The hypoglossal nerve, identified as cranial nerve XII, is responsible for controlling tongue movements. It innervates the majority of the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue, which are essential for functions such as speaking, swallowing, and manipulating food during chewing. Proper functioning of this nerve allows for coordinated and precise movements of the tongue, which are crucial for articulation and other oral activities.

In contrast, the vagus nerve (CN X) plays a diverse role, primarily in autonomic functions of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract, and does not directly control tongue movements. The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is mainly responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as mastication but does not have a direct role in tongue movement. The facial nerve (CN VII) primarily controls the muscles of facial expression and has limited involvement in some functions associated with taste and salivation but does not innervate the muscles responsible for tongue movement.