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
Examples of hypoglossal nerve in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Inspire therapy—a hypoglossal nerve stimulation implant—has been FDA-approved for more than 11 years, with over 100,000 patients treated across the US, Europe, and Asia.
—
Anna McKie,
Wired News,
11 Mar. 2026
Take Inspire Medical, whose hypoglossal nerve stimulation is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea to the tune of $771m in 2024 US revenue.
—
Naveen Rao,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
The device includes a breathing sensor in the chest and an electrode lead in the hypoglossal nerve (which controls tongue movement).
—
Sukaina Hasnie,
Verywell Health,
4 June 2025
It can also be used alongside CPAP and hypoglossal nerve stimulation.
—
Maria Sokolina,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
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Anna McKie,
Wired News,
11 Mar. 2026
Take Inspire Medical, whose hypoglossal nerve stimulation is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea to the tune of $771m in 2024 US revenue.
—
Naveen Rao,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
The device includes a breathing sensor in the chest and an electrode lead in the hypoglossal nerve (which controls tongue movement).
—
Sukaina Hasnie,
Verywell Health,
4 June 2025
It can also be used alongside CPAP and hypoglossal nerve stimulation.
—
Maria Sokolina,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hypoglossal nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypoglossal%20nerve. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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