1. plural of hypoglossal; the twelfth pair of cranial nerves that control tongue movement
Usage: anatomy; medical

1. relating to or denoting the hypoglossal nerve or its functions
Usage: anatomy; medical

Examples

• The hypoglossals are responsible for controlling the muscles of the tongue.
• Damage to the hypoglossal nerve can result in difficulty swallowing and speaking.
• The neurologist tested the patient's hypoglossals by asking her to stick out her tongue.
• Hypoglossals innervate most of the intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles.
• The hypoglossal examination is a standard part of the cranial nerve assessment.