Superior longitudinal muscle of tongue

Superior Longitudinal Muscle of Tongue

The superior longitudinal muscle of the tongue is one of the intrinsic muscles of the tongue. It is responsible for various movements and functions of the tongue, including shaping the tongue during speech and swallowing. In this article, we will explore the anatomy, function, and clinical significance of the superior longitudinal muscle of the tongue.

Anatomy

The superior longitudinal muscle of the tongue is located on the superior surface of the tongue. It is one of the four intrinsic muscles of the tongue, along with the inferior longitudinal muscle, transverse muscle, and vertical muscle. The superior longitudinal muscle runs longitudinally along the length of the tongue, from the root to the apex.

The muscle fibers of the superior longitudinal muscle are arranged in a parallel manner. They originate from the submucosal fibrous layer of the tongue and extend anteriorly towards the apex of the tongue. Some fibers also extend posteriorly towards the root of the tongue.

Function

The superior longitudinal muscle of the tongue plays a crucial role in various tongue movements and functions. Its main functions include:

1. Elevation of the tip of the tongue: Contraction of the superior longitudinal muscle helps in elevating the tip of the tongue, allowing for precise movements during speech and swallowing.

2. Retraction of the tongue: The muscle fibers that extend posteriorly towards the root of the tongue assist in retracting the tongue, pulling it backward.

3. Assisting in tongue curling: The superior longitudinal muscle, along with the inferior longitudinal muscle, helps in curling the sides of the tongue upwards, creating a trough-like shape during swallowing.

4. Assisting in tongue rolling: The superior longitudinal muscle, along with the inferior longitudinal muscle, is responsible for the ability to roll the sides of the tongue upwards or downwards, a characteristic that varies among individuals.

Clinical Significance

The superior longitudinal muscle of the tongue can be affected by certain medical conditions, leading to functional impairments. Some notable clinical significance includes:

1. Tongue weakness or paralysis: Damage or dysfunction of the cranial nerves (particularly the hypoglossal nerve) that innervate the superior longitudinal muscle can result in tongue weakness or paralysis. This can lead to difficulties in speech, swallowing, and other tongue movements.

2. Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia): Ankyloglossia is a condition where the lingual frenulum, a band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is abnormally short or tight. This can restrict the movement of the tongue, including the superior longitudinal muscle, causing difficulties in speech and feeding.

3. Speech disorders: Dysfunction of the superior longitudinal muscle can contribute to speech disorders, such as lisping or difficulty in articulating certain sounds.

Conclusion

The superior longitudinal muscle of the tongue is an important intrinsic muscle that contributes to the movements and functions of the tongue. Its role in shaping the tongue during speech and swallowing highlights its significance in oral communication and nutrition. Understanding the anatomy and function of this muscle can aid in diagnosing and managing various clinical conditions related to tongue movement and speech impairments.

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