: 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.

What does the word hypoglossal mean?

Nerve, hypoglossal: The hypoglossal nerve is the twelfth cranial nerve. ... The hypoglossal nerve supplies the muscles of the tongue. (The Greek "hypo-", under and "-glossal" from A"glossa", the tongue = under the tongue).

What is the hypoglossal canal?

The hypoglossal canal is located between the occipital condyle and jugular tubercle and runs obliquely forwards (posteromedial to anterolateral) allowing the hypoglossal nerve to exit the posterior cranial fossa.