Final answer:
The hypoglossal nerve emerges from the hypoglossal canal and travels through the carotid triangle, which is bound by the omohyoid, sternocleidomastoid, and digastric muscles, and is responsible for motor innervation to the tongue muscles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hypoglossal nerve can be found in the carotid triangle, which is an area of the neck delineated by the superior belly of the omohyoid, the sternocleidomastoid, and the posterior belly of the digastric muscles. The hypoglossal nerve emerges from the hypoglossal canal, located at the anterior-lateral margin of the foramen magnum, and provides motor innervation to the muscles of the tongue, except for the palatoglossus muscle, which is innervated by the vagus nerve. On its course, the hypoglossal nerve travels between the carotid artery and the internal jugular vein within the carotid triangle before it distributes to the muscles of the tongue. It is crucial for tongue movements which affect speech and swallowing.