hypoglossal nerve

noun

: either of the 12th and final pair of cranial nerves which are motor nerves arising from the medulla oblongata and supplying muscles of the tongue in higher vertebrates

called also hypoglossal

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2014, scientists rolled out a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, a small pacemaker-like device implanted in the chest that monitors breathing and, when necessary, synchronizes it with the tongue to prevent airway collapse. —Lisa Marshall, Discover Magazine, 31 May 2016

The pacemaker device is implanted in soft tissues just below the collarbone, with an electrical lead tunnelled under the skin, and near the jaw it is attached to the hypoglossal nerve—which controls the tongue—with a cuff electrode. —Neil Steinberg, Quartz, 15 Dec. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hypoglossal nerve

noun

: either of the 12th and final pair of cranial nerves which are motor nerves arising from the medulla oblongata and supplying muscles of the tongue and hyoid apparatus in higher vertebrates

called also hypoglossal, twelfth cranial nerve