1. relating to or denoting the twelfth cranial nerve, which controls the muscles of the tongue
Usage: anatomy; medical

Examples

• The hypoglossal nerve is responsible for tongue movement and speech.
• Damage to the hypoglossal nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the tongue.
• The doctor tested the patient's hypoglossal nerve function by asking them to stick out their tongue.
• Hypoglossal nerve injury may occur after surgery in the neck region.
• The hypoglossal nucleus is located in the medulla of the brainstem.