Are there nerves in the tongue?

Yes, there are two that innervate the tongue. The hypoglossal nerve is the 12th cranial nerve, it arises from the medulla oblongata, passes between the internal carotid artery and internal jugular vein and comes up under the tongue piercing it from underneath. The hypoglossal is a motor nerve. The glossopharyngeal is the 9th cranial nerve, it exits the lateral medulla oblongata and runs to the posterior pharynx or throat and the tongue. The glossopharyngeal is a sensory nerve. 

Motor nerves of the tongue help to move it, sensory nerves relay sensory information. All cranial nerves arise from the base of the brain.