Hyoglossal muscle and nerves

October 22, 1:31 PMLA Men's Health ExaminerErnest Alford

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Hyoglossal muscle in the news due to a recent millionaire quiz. In that game, a man won $50,000 by answering the question in the anatomy category. The question: “Where is the Hyoglossus muscle?” It appears to be a misspelling, but its not.

I know of a hypoglosal nerve. Note how the Merck Manual documents the hypoglossal nerve.

Disorders of the 12th cranial nerve (hypoglossal nerve) cause weakness or wasting (atrophy) of the tongue on the affected side. This nerve moves the tongue. Causes include a tumor or bone abnormality at the base of the skull, a stroke, infection of the brain stem, or an injury to the neck, such as that due to surgical removal of a blockage from an artery in the neck (endarterectomy). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) can also damage the hypoglossal nerve. The tongue becomes weak on the affected side and eventually wastes away (atrophies). As a result, people have difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing. Damage due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis causes tiny, subtle twitching movements (fasciculations) on the surface of the tongue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)is usually done to look for a tumor or evidence of a stroke. A spinal tap (lumbar puncture may be necessary if cancer or infection is possible. Treatment depends on the cause.

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Ernest Alford

Los Angeles Examiner Health Writer