A 25-year-old man presents with a neck stab wound. He develops ipsilateral tongue deviation toward the side of the lesion, with atrophy and fasciculations of the tongue. The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) exits the skull through the hypoglossal canal, which is located in which part of the occipital bone?

• A Anterior condylar canal ✓
• B Posterior condylar canal
• C Jugular foramen
• D Foramen magnum

Explanation

The hypoglossal nerve exits the skull through the anterior condylar canal (hypoglossal canal) in the occipital bone, located anterolateral to the foramen magnum. The posterior condylar canal transmits the emissary vein. The jugular foramen transmits CN IX, X, and XI. The foramen magnum transmits the medulla, vertebral arteries, and spinal accessory nerve roots. The hypoglossal canal is relevant in skull base fractures and tumors.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.