Q: I am working in the Muscles unit (Figure 2.3, Muscles of the Neck) and have run across a problem in the difference between Hypoglossus or Hyoglossus. It appears there is a discrepancy between different places in the online course (with the “p” or without the “p”) and with the medical books I have available for reference.
A: This is a great example of medical terminology and how close terms can be in spelling, but making simple errors without researching can make a huge difference when you are actually working! In computer programs, there are errors that are sometimes overlooked, but this is also a good way to spark your determination to research and confirm what is actually correct and what is not.
hypoglossal
<anatomy> Under the tongue; applied especially, in the higher vertebrates, to the twelfth or last pair of cranial nerves, which are distributed to the base of the tongue. One of the hypoglossal nerves. Origin: Pref. Hypo- + Gr. The tongue. Source: Websters Dictionary
hyoglossus muscle
<anatomy, muscle> A flat muscle on either side of the tongue, connecting it with the hyoid bone. Origin, body and greater horn of hyoid bone; insertion, side of the tongue; action, retracts and pulls down side of tongue; nerve supply, motor by hypoglossal, sensory by lingual. Synonym: musculus hyoglossus, hyoglossal muscle, hyoglossus. Origin: NL, fr. Hyo- hyo- + Gr. Tongue.