The Tongue
Intrinsic Muscles
Extrinsic Muscles
Innervation
Vasculature
Lymphatic Drainage
Embryological Development
Tongue-Tie
The tongue is a muscular structure located on the floor of the oral cavity.
It is the primary taste organ and plays a key role in the initial phases of swallowing.
In this topic, we shall look at the anatomy of the tongue – its structure, innervation and clinical
correlations.
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Intrinsic Muscles
The intrinsic muscles originate and attach to other structures within the tongue.
There are four paired intrinsic muscles of the tongue and they are named by the direction in
which they travel – the superior longitudinal, inferior longitudinal, transverse and
, vertical muscles of the tongue. These muscles affect the shape and size of the tongue – for
example, in tongue rolling – and have a role in facilitating speech, eating and swallowing.
The motor innervation to the intrinsic muscles of the tongue is via the hypoglossal nerve (CN
XII).
Extrinsic Muscles
The extrinsic muscles of the tongue originate from structures outside the tongue and insert onto
it.
They are innervated by the hypoglossal nerve – with the exception of the palatoglossus, which is
innervated by the vagus nerve.
Genioglossus
The genioglossus muscle is a large, thick muscle, which contributes significantly to the shape of
the tongue.
Attachments: Arises from the mandibular symphysis. It inserts onto the body of the
hyoid bone and the entire length of the tongue.
Function: Protrusion (‘sticking the tongue out’) and depression of the tongue.
Innervation: Hypoglossal nerve.
Hyoglossus
The hyoglossus muscle is located in the floor of the oral cavity, immediately lateral to the
geniohyoid.
Attachments: Arises from the hyoid bone and inserts onto the lateral aspect of the
tongue.
Function: Depression and retraction of the tongue.
Innervation: Hypoglossal nerve.
Styloglossus
The styloglossus is a thin, paired muscle, located on either side of the oropharynx.
Attachments: Originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone and inserts onto
the lateral aspect of the tongue.
Function: Retraction and elevation of the tongue.
Innervation: Hypoglossal nerve.
Intrinsic Muscles
Extrinsic Muscles
Innervation
Vasculature
Lymphatic Drainage
Embryological Development
Tongue-Tie
The tongue is a muscular structure located on the floor of the oral cavity.
It is the primary taste organ and plays a key role in the initial phases of swallowing.
In this topic, we shall look at the anatomy of the tongue – its structure, innervation and clinical
correlations.
PREMIUM FEATURE
3D Model
Pro Feature
Access this feature with pro.
Go Premium
Intrinsic Muscles
The intrinsic muscles originate and attach to other structures within the tongue.
There are four paired intrinsic muscles of the tongue and they are named by the direction in
which they travel – the superior longitudinal, inferior longitudinal, transverse and
, vertical muscles of the tongue. These muscles affect the shape and size of the tongue – for
example, in tongue rolling – and have a role in facilitating speech, eating and swallowing.
The motor innervation to the intrinsic muscles of the tongue is via the hypoglossal nerve (CN
XII).
Extrinsic Muscles
The extrinsic muscles of the tongue originate from structures outside the tongue and insert onto
it.
They are innervated by the hypoglossal nerve – with the exception of the palatoglossus, which is
innervated by the vagus nerve.
Genioglossus
The genioglossus muscle is a large, thick muscle, which contributes significantly to the shape of
the tongue.
Attachments: Arises from the mandibular symphysis. It inserts onto the body of the
hyoid bone and the entire length of the tongue.
Function: Protrusion (‘sticking the tongue out’) and depression of the tongue.
Innervation: Hypoglossal nerve.
Hyoglossus
The hyoglossus muscle is located in the floor of the oral cavity, immediately lateral to the
geniohyoid.
Attachments: Arises from the hyoid bone and inserts onto the lateral aspect of the
tongue.
Function: Depression and retraction of the tongue.
Innervation: Hypoglossal nerve.
Styloglossus
The styloglossus is a thin, paired muscle, located on either side of the oropharynx.
Attachments: Originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone and inserts onto
the lateral aspect of the tongue.
Function: Retraction and elevation of the tongue.
Innervation: Hypoglossal nerve.
