Genioglossal

/ˌdʒɛnioʊˈɡlɒsəl/ adjective

Definition

Of or relating to both the chin and the tongue, especially the genioglossus muscle that connects the lower jawbone to the tongue.

Etymology

From 'genio-' (chin, from Latin 'genium') + 'glossal' (from Greek 'glossa' meaning tongue), combined with '-al' (relating to).

Kelly Says

The genioglossus muscle is one reason sleep apnea sometimes happens—when you're deeply relaxed, this muscle relaxes too, potentially collapsing your airway, which is why some sleep apnea treatments target it specifically.

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