Muscles of Tongue

Extrinsic Muscles

Muscle Origin Insertion Innervation Main Action

Genioglossus Superior part of mental Dorsum of tongue Hypoglossal Depresses tongue; its
spine of mandible and body of nerve (CN XII) posterior part pulls tongue
hyoid bone anteriorly for protrusion

Hyoglossus Body and greater horn of Side and inferior Depresses and retracts
hyoid bone aspect of tounge tongue

Chondro- Lesser horn of hyoid bone

glossus

Styloglossus Styloid process of Side and inferior Retracts tongue and draws it
temporal bone and aspect of tounge up to create a trough for
stylohyoid ligament swallowing

Palatoglossus Palatine aponeurosis of Side of tongue CN X and Elevates posterior part of

soft palate pharyngeal tongue
plexus
Amygdalo-
glossus

Intrinsic Muscles

Muscle Innervation Main Action

Superior Hypoglossal Curls tip and sides of tongue

longitudinal nerve (CN XII) superiorly, and shortens tongue.

Inferior Curls tip of tongue inferiorly,

longitudinal and shortens tongue.

Transverse Narrows and enlongates

the tongue.

Vertical Flattens and broadens

the tongue.

Oral Physiology Assignment

By Noor Al-Deen M. Al-Khanati