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. 2019 Sep;18(3):366-370.
doi: 10.1007/s12663-018-1157-5. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Lingual Hypoglossal Reflex: An Unusual Reflex of Head and Neck

Reena Rachel John  1 , Balamanikandasrinivasan Chandrasekaran  1 , Pathumai Murugadoss  2
Affiliations

Lingual Hypoglossal Reflex: An Unusual Reflex of Head and Neck

Reena Rachel John et al. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2019 Sep.

Abstract

Introduction: Oral-pharyngeal reflexes demonstrate a wide range of complexities due to their intricate synaptic pattern. Most of the reflexes are protective in nature such as preventing aspiration. These reflexes in oral cavity affect the muscles and can be evoked either in isolation or in combination in order to achieve a specific response. Certain sensory inputs induce an entire motor behavior pattern as seen in lingual hypoglossal reflex.

Materials and methods: A case report depicting this reflex have been presented. To our knowledge, this is the first case documented in a living human. Along with this, cadaveric studies have been also done in fifteen specimens.

Results: Extralingual anastomosis between lingual nerve and hypoglossal nerve were found in six specimens.

Conclusion: Hereby, we present a clinical paper of this unusual phenomenon which has not been documented in the literature.

Keywords: Hypoglossal nerve; Lingual nerve; Reflex; Synapses.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestAll authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Swelling in right floor of mouth and deviation of tongue toward right side
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Axial CT showing hyperdense mass medial to body of right mandible
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Surgical excision of right sublingual gland
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Comparison of tongue protrusion
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Cadaveric specimen showing anastomotic loops between lingual and hypoglossal nerve
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Synaptic connections between lingual and hypoglossal nerve
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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