HYPOGLOSSAL Meaning and
Definition
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Hypoglossal refers to a vital nerve that is responsible for the motor control of the muscles involved in the movement and coordination of the tongue. The term "hypoglossal" is primarily derived from the Greek words "hypo" meaning "underneath" and "glossa" meaning "tongue."
The hypoglossal nerve, also known as the twelfth cranial nerve or cranial nerve XII, originates from the medulla oblongata, which is the lower portion of the brainstem. It serves the function of innervating the intrinsic muscles of the tongue, as well as some of the extrinsic muscles responsible for altering the tongue's shape and position. These muscles play a crucial role in various functions, such as swallowing, speech production, and in assisting with airway protection during respiration.
Anatomically, the hypoglossal nerve emerges from the skull through the hypoglossal canal, and then branches out to distribute its fibers to the target muscles located on both sides of the tongue. The contraction and relaxation of these muscles under the guidance of the hypoglossal nerve contribute to the tongue's flexibility, articulation of sounds, and proper swallowing movements.
Damage or dysfunction of the hypoglossal nerve may result in hypoglossal nerve palsy, also known as hypoglossal nerve dysfunction, which can lead to difficulty in moving the tongue on one or both sides, vocal impairment, and challenges with chewing and swallowing. Treatment for hypoglossal nerve palsy typically revolves around addressing the underlying cause and may include rehabilitative therapies, medication, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
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Sublingual, beneath the tongue.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOGLOSSAL
- gypoglossal
- bypoglossal
- nypoglossal
- jypoglossal
- uypoglossal
- yypoglossal
- htpoglossal
- hgpoglossal
- hhpoglossal
- hupoglossal
- h7poglossal
- h6poglossal
- hyooglossal
- hyloglossal
- hy-oglossal
- hy0oglossal
- hypiglossal
- hypkglossal
- hyplglossal
Etymology of HYPOGLOSSAL
The word "hypoglossal" has its roots in Ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek words "hypo-" meaning "under" or "beneath", and "glōssa" meaning "tongue". Therefore, "hypoglossal" literally translates to "under the tongue" or "beneath the tongue". The term is used in anatomy to refer to the hypoglossal nerve, which is responsible for the motor control of the muscles of the tongue.
Similar spelling words for HYPOGLOSSAL
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