The hypoglossal canal is the passageway for the hypoglossal nerves. The hypoglossal nerves are the twelfth and final pair of cranial nerves, positioned at the back of the brain and numbered Roman numeral XII. They arise from the area between the pons at the base of the brain stem and the spinal column and pass into the tongue. These are mostly motor nerves that carry impulses to muscles that move the tongue to assist in speaking, chewing, and swallowing.