Asking a patient to “stick your tongue out” can be used as a test for the hypoglossal nerves [XII]. If the nerves are functioning normally, the tongue should protrude evenly in the midline. If the nerve on one side is not fully functional, the tip of the tongue will point to that side.
The hyoglossus muscles are thin quadrangular muscles lateral to the genioglossus muscles (Fig. 8.257).