Final answer:
The hypoglossal nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of the tongue, except for the palatoglossus muscle. It helps with movements of the tongue such as protrusion, retraction, and side-to-side movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hypoglossal nerve, or cranial nerve XII, is a vital motor nerve responsible for directing the muscles of the tongue. It originates in the medulla oblongata and facilitates voluntary movements crucial for speech, swallowing, and oral functions. The intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue, including the genioglossus, hyoglossus, and styloglossus muscles, are under its control. These muscles coordinate various movements such as protrusion, retraction, and side-to-side actions. Notably, the palatoglossus muscle, essential for swallowing and interacting with the soft palate, falls under the influence of the vagus nerve rather than the hypoglossal nerve. This intricate neural control ensures the precision and versatility of the tongue's functions within the oral cavity.