Extrinsic Muscles of the Tongue

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 61 views

The tongue is a vital organ in the human body, playing a crucial role in various functions such as speaking, eating, and swallowing. The muscles of the tongue are divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic muscles are those that originate and insert within the tongue itself, whereas extrinsic muscles are those that originate from outside the tongue and insert into it. In this article, we will discuss the extrinsic muscles of the tongue and identify which of the given options is NOT an extrinsic muscle.

Extrinsic Muscles of the Tongue

The extrinsic muscles of the tongue are responsible for its movement and position in the oral cavity. There are four extrinsic muscles of the tongue:

Genioglossus: This muscle is the most prominent extrinsic muscle of the tongue. It originates from the mental spine of the mandible (lower jawbone) and inserts into the body of the tongue. The genioglossus muscle is responsible for protruding the tongue and is also involved in its elevation and depression.
Hyoglossus: This muscle originates from the body and greater cornu of the hyoid bone and inserts into the side of the tongue. The hyoglossus muscle is responsible for depressing the tongue and is also involved in its retraction.
Styloglossus: This muscle originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone and inserts into the side of the tongue. The styloglossus muscle is responsible for retracting the tongue and is also involved in its elevation.
Palatoglossus: This muscle originates from the soft palate and inserts into the side of the tongue. The palatoglossus muscle is responsible for elevating the tongue and is also involved in its retraction.

Analyzing the Options

Now that we have discussed the extrinsic muscles of the tongue, let's analyze the given options:

A. Mylohyoid: The mylohyoid muscle is an intrinsic muscle of the tongue, not an extrinsic muscle. It originates from the mylohyoid line of the mandible and inserts into the body of the tongue. The mylohyoid muscle is responsible for elevating the floor of the mouth and is also involved in the movement of the tongue.
B. Styloglossus: As discussed earlier, the styloglossus muscle is an extrinsic muscle of the tongue.
C. Genioglossus: The genioglossus muscle is also an extrinsic muscle of the tongue, as discussed earlier.
D. Masseter: The masseter muscle is not a muscle of the tongue. It is a muscle of mastication, responsible for elevating the mandible (lower jawbone) and is involved in the movement of the jaw.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer is A. Mylohyoid. The mylohyoid muscle is an intrinsic muscle of the tongue, not an extrinsic muscle. The other options, styloglossus, genioglossus, and masseter, are all extrinsic muscles of the tongue or muscles of mastication, respectively.

References

Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice
Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy
Clinical Anatomy of the Head and Neck

Q: What is the primary function of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue?

A: The primary function of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue is to move the tongue in various directions, such as protrusion, depression, elevation, and retraction. These movements are essential for various functions, including speaking, eating, and swallowing.

Q: Which extrinsic muscle of the tongue is responsible for protruding the tongue?

A: The genioglossus muscle is responsible for protruding the tongue. It originates from the mental spine of the mandible (lower jawbone) and inserts into the body of the tongue.

Q: Which extrinsic muscle of the tongue is responsible for depressing the tongue?

A: The hyoglossus muscle is responsible for depressing the tongue. It originates from the body and greater cornu of the hyoid bone and inserts into the side of the tongue.

Q: Which extrinsic muscle of the tongue is responsible for retracting the tongue?

A: The styloglossus muscle is responsible for retracting the tongue. It originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone and inserts into the side of the tongue.

Q: What is the role of the palatoglossus muscle in the movement of the tongue?

A: The palatoglossus muscle is responsible for elevating the tongue and is also involved in its retraction. It originates from the soft palate and inserts into the side of the tongue.

Q: Can the extrinsic muscles of the tongue be injured?

A: Yes, the extrinsic muscles of the tongue can be injured. Injuries to these muscles can occur due to various reasons, such as trauma, infection, or surgical procedures. Injuries to the extrinsic muscles of the tongue can lead to difficulties in speaking, eating, and swallowing.

Q: How can the extrinsic muscles of the tongue be treated if they are injured?

A: Treatment for injuries to the extrinsic muscles of the tongue depends on the severity of the injury. Mild injuries may be treated with rest, ice, and physical therapy, while more severe injuries may require surgical intervention.

Q: Can the extrinsic muscles of the tongue be strengthened?

A: Yes, the extrinsic muscles of the tongue can be strengthened through exercises and physical therapy. Strengthening the extrinsic muscles of the tongue can improve their function and reduce the risk of injury.

Q: What are some common conditions that affect the extrinsic muscles of the tongue?

A: Some common conditions that affect the extrinsic muscles of the tongue include:

Tongue paralysis: This is a condition where the extrinsic muscles of the tongue are paralyzed, leading to difficulties in speaking, eating, and swallowing.
Tongue weakness: This is a condition where the extrinsic muscles of the tongue are weak, leading to difficulties in speaking, eating, and swallowing.
Tongue spasm: This is a condition where the extrinsic muscles of the tongue contract suddenly, leading to difficulties in speaking, eating, and swallowing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the extrinsic muscles of the tongue play a crucial role in various functions, including speaking, eating, and swallowing. Understanding the anatomy and function of these muscles is essential for diagnosing and treating conditions that affect them. We hope that this article has provided you with a better understanding of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue and their functions.

References

Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice
Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy
Clinical Anatomy of the Head and Neck