Head and Neck Anatomical Structures · USMLE Step 1

A patient has tongue deviation to the right when protruded. Which nerve is damaged?

  1. Right glossopharyngeal nerve
  2. Left glossopharyngeal nerve
  3. Right hypoglossal nerve
  4. Left hypoglossal nerve
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Right hypoglossal nerve

The tongue deviates toward the side of hypoglossal nerve injury due to unopposed action of the contralateral genioglossus. This indicates right-sided damage.

Difficulty: Medium Question 9 of 20

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