Which cranial nerve pair is located under the tongue?

The hypoglossal nerve is indeed the cranial nerve pair that is located under the tongue. This nerve, also known as cranial nerve XII, is primarily responsible for the movement of the muscles of the tongue. It plays a crucial role in various functions such as speech, swallowing, and the manipulation of food within the mouth.

Being anatomically situated beneath the tongue, the hypoglossal nerve can be easily accessed and assessed in clinical settings. Its location is significant for understanding various conditions related to tongue movement and function, such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or speech impediments that may arise from tongue impairments.

In contrast, other nerves like the vagus nerve, facial nerve, and glossopharyngeal nerve have different anatomical placements and functions. The vagus nerve innervates a broad range of organs but does not specifically control tongue movements. The facial nerve is primarily involved in facial expression and does not reside under the tongue, while the glossopharyngeal nerve is associated with taste and the gag reflex, and it is located more laterally rather than directly under the tongue.