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 ( gloss ² ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

If the hypoglossal nerves on both sides are working properly, then the tongue will stick straight out.

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

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

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

Other cranial nerves, particularly the oculomotor and the hypoglossal, may also be implicated.

From Manual of Surgery Volume First: General Surgery. Sixth Edition. by Thomson, Alexis