hypoglossal

American  

[hahy-puh-glos-uhl, -glaw-suhl] / ˌhaɪ pəˈglɒs əl, -ˈglɔ səl /

adjective

1. situated under the tongue.

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noun

1. hypoglossal nerve.

hypoglossal British  

/ ˌhaɪpəˈɡlɒsəl /

adjective

1. situated beneath the tongue

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noun

1. short for hypoglossal nerve

Etymology

Origin of hypoglossal

1825–35; hypo- + Greek glôss ( a ) tongue ( see gloss ²) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

While examining the oral cavity, movement of the tongue will indicate whether hypoglossal function is impaired.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The hypoglossal nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of the lower throat and tongue.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The hypoglossal nerve is the motor nerve that controls the muscles of the tongue, except for the palatoglossus muscle, which is controlled by the vagus nerve.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Openings here include the large foramen magnum, plus the internal acoustic meatus, jugular foramina, and hypoglossal canals.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Spasm of the tongue sometimes occurs after injuries of the head implicating either the centre or the trunk of the hypoglossal nerve.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander