Final answer:
The hypoglossal nerve is known as the twelfth cranial nerve, or cranial nerve XII, and is responsible for muscle movements of the tongue but not for taste or salivation. Damage to the hypoglossal nerve can result in asymmetrical tongue movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hypoglossal nerve is known as the twelfth cranial nerve or cranial nerve XII. It is responsible for the contraction of the muscles of the tongue, which is crucial for speech and swallowing. The hypoglossal nerve does not relate to taste or salivation; these functions involve different cranial nerves. For instance, the facial nerve and the glossopharyngeal nerve convey taste sensations from the anterior and posterior parts of the oral cavity, respectively, and also control salivation through different salivary glands.
When examining the function of the hypoglossal nerve, the 'stick out your tongue' test can reveal whether it is working correctly. A tongue that deviates to one side when protruded can indicate damage to the hypoglossal nerve on that side. Other cranial nerves, like the facial nerve (CN VII), contain preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that are involved in various autonomic functions, such as controlling pupillary size and salivary gland activity.