Beginner Hypoglossal Canal Quiz

Q1. In which bone is the hypoglossal canal located?

• Temporal bone
• Ethmoid bone
• Sphenoid bone
• Occipital bone

Q2. Which cranial nerve passes through the hypoglossal canal?

• Vagus nerve, CN X
• Glossopharyngeal nerve, CN IX
• Hypoglossal nerve, CN XII
• Accessory nerve, CN XI

Q3. What is the principal functional modality of the hypoglossal nerve?

• Somatic motor
• General somatic sensory
• Special sensory for taste
• Parasympathetic secretomotor

Q4. Which tongue muscle is not innervated by the hypoglossal nerve?

• Genioglossus
• Hyoglossus
• Palatoglossus
• Styloglossus

Q5. Where is the hypoglossal canal located relative to the occipital condyle?

• Inferior to the hyoid bone
• Superior to the occipital condyle
• Within the mandibular condyle
• Inside the mastoid process

Q6. Which large opening lies medial to the hypoglossal canal?

• Optic canal
• Foramen rotundum
• Mental foramen
• Foramen magnum

Q7. Which opening lies posterolateral to the hypoglossal canal at the skull base?

• Foramen ovale
• Jugular foramen
• Incisive foramen
• Supraorbital foramen

Q8. Does the hypoglossal nerve leave the skull through the jugular foramen?

• Yes, with CN IX and X
• Yes, with the internal jugular vein
• No, it exits through the hypoglossal canal
• No, it exits through the optic canal

Q9. Which anatomical region is entered by CN XII after it exits the hypoglossal canal?

• Middle cranial fossa
• Middle ear
• Upper neck
• Orbit

Q10. What structure is most directly endangered by a lesion confined to the hypoglossal canal?

• Facial nerve within the internal acoustic meatus
• Mandibular nerve
• Hypoglossal nerve
• Optic nerve