All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Tongue muscles
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Among the muscles of the tongue, paired, striated, there are intrinsic muscles and muscles that start on the bones of the skeleton (skeletal muscles). Intrinsic muscles of the tongue start and end within the tongue, and skeletal muscles have a bony origin.
Skeletal muscles of the tongue
Muscle |
Start |
Attachment |
Function |
Innervation |
Genioglossus muscle |
Mental spine of the mandible |
The top and base of the tongue |
Pulls the tongue forward and downwards |
Superior laryngeal nerve |
Hyoglossus muscle |
Body and greater horn of the hyoid bone |
Lateral part of the tongue |
Pulls the tongue down and back |
Inferior laryngeal nerve |
Styloglossus muscle |
Styloid process of the temporal bone |
Lateral and inferior parts of the tongue |
Pulls the tongue back and up |
Same |
[ 1 ]
Использованная литература