Styloglossus muscle

Styloglossus Muscle

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The extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the tongue. (Styloglossus visible at center right.)

The Styloglossus muscle is one of the four extrinsic muscles of the tongue. It is a paired muscle that originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone and inserts into the side of the tongue. The primary function of the Styloglossus is to retract and elevate the tongue.

Structure

The Styloglossus muscle originates from the anterior surface of the styloid process and the stylomandibular ligament. It travels forward and downward to insert into the side of the tongue and intermingles with the fibers of the inferior longitudinal muscle of the tongue.

Function

The Styloglossus muscle retracts and elevates the tongue. This action assists in swallowing and speech.

Clinical significance

Damage to the Styloglossus muscle can result in difficulty swallowing and speech problems.

See also

• Extrinsic muscles of the tongue
• Styloid process
• Inferior longitudinal muscle of the tongue

External links

• AnatomyExpert