genioglossus

genioglossus definition - medical

ge·ni·o·glos·sus (jēˌnē-ō-glŏsˈəs)

noun
Either of a pair of lingual muscles with origin in the mandible, with insertion to the lingual fascia below the mucous membrane and epiglottis, with nerve supply from the hypoglossal nerve, and whose action depresses and protrudes the tongue.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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