hypoglossal nerve

Definition of hypoglossal nerve

: 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

Examples of hypoglossal nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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, "One billion people worldwide stop breathing while they sleep," 15 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hypoglossal nerve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Hypoglossal nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypoglossal%20nerve. Accessed 25 Oct. 2020.

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