Lingual Hypoglossal Reflex: An Unusual Reflex of Head and Neck

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.

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