Styloglossus

The Styloglossus is a muscle in the human body that is part of the tongue's extrinsic muscles. It is one of the four muscles that make up the tongue's muscular structure, the others being the genioglossus, the hyoglossus, and the palatoglossus. The Styloglossus is responsible for retracting and elevating the tongue.

Structure

The Styloglossus originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone and inserts into the side of the tongue. It is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII).

Function

The primary function of the Styloglossus is to draw up the sides of the tongue to assist in swallowing. It also retracts the tongue.

Clinical significance

Damage to the Styloglossus can result in difficulty swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia. This can occur due to nerve damage, muscle disorders, or structural abnormalities.

See also

• Extrinsic muscles of the tongue
• Intrinsic muscles of the tongue
• Styloid process
• Hypoglossal nerve

References

• 
  Styloglossus
• 
  Gray's Anatomy Plate 1020
• 
  Gray's Anatomy Plate 137
• 
  Gray's Anatomy Plate 386
• 
  Gray's Anatomy Plate 513
• 
  Gray's Anatomy Plate 793
• 
  Gray's Anatomy Plate 794
• 
  Styloglossus
• 
  Styloglossus
• 
  Styloglossus
• 
  Styloglossus