Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue
Published on: July 6, 2017
Atypical location of the hypoglossal nerve and its implications: a case report
Matthew L Rohlfing1, Joshua D Waltonen2
1Wake Forest School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103, USA. matt.rohlfing@gmail.com.
Introduction:
Successful surgery in the neck is dependent on reliable anatomical relationships between nerves, vessels, and muscles. These landmarks and planes are also essential to avoiding undue morbidity and mortality. Anatomic variants of the hypoglossal nerve are rare, and their incidences are unknown.
Methods:
We describe a case of a hypoglossal nerve found coursing superficial to the internal jugular vein in a 52-year-old woman treated with bilateral selective neck dissection for metastatic thyroid malignancy.
Results:
The vulnerable nerve was protected, and she maintained excellent speech and swallow function post-operatively.
Conclusions:
The variant course of the nerve may pose higher risk for injury in neck surgery. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of aberrant anatomy in this region and exercise extra caution to avoid nerve injury.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
The Hyoid Bone
Brainstem
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...

