Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for motor control of the tongue?

The hypoglossal nerve is primarily responsible for the motor control of the tongue. It innervates the majority of the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue, enabling various movements crucial for functions such as speech, swallowing, and the manipulation of food. This nerve plays a key role in the voluntary control of tongue movements, allowing for precise articulation of words and effective swallowing actions.

The hypoglossal nerve's specific focus on the tongue's muscular functions distinguishes it from the other cranial nerves listed. The vagus nerve has a broader role that includes autonomic functions of the viscera and does not specifically control tongue movements. The glossopharyngeal nerve, while involved in taste and some motor functions related to the pharynx, does not innervate the tongue's muscles. Similarly, the facial nerve is primarily responsible for facial expressions and does not have a significant role in motor control of the tongue itself.