What is "aglossia"

Aglossia (aglossia congenita) is a congential defect resulting in a partial development or complete absence of a tongue.

Aglossiais commonly associated with craniofacial and limb defects (Adactylia syndrome) and is thought to belong to a family of oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndrome or OLHS. It is believed to be caused by heat-induced vascular disruption near the fourth week of embryonic development.

The first known case was reported in the early 18th century by a member of the prominent De Jussieu family in France and cases to this day remain rare.