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The hypoglossal canal is a small opening in the occipital bone of the skull, located on the medial aspect of each occipital condyle. This canal is an important passageway for a nerve that controls the movements of the tongue, called the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII).
The hypoglossal nerve originates from the medulla oblongata in the brainstem and passes through the hypoglossal canal to exit the skull and innervate the muscles of the tongue. The hypoglossal nerve is responsible for controlling movements of the tongue, including speech, swallowing, and chewing.
In addition to the hypoglossal nerve, the hypoglossal canal may also transmit small blood vessels and other tiny nerves that supply the surrounding tissues of the skull base.
