Tongue muscle

The **tongue muscle** refers collectively to the group of eight skeletal muscles that comprise the oral tongue, including four intrinsic (superior longitudinal, inferior longitudinal, vertical, and transverse) and four extrinsic (genioglossus, hyoglossus, styloglossus, palatoglossus) muscles[1][2][3][5][6][8]. Intrinsic muscles alter the shape of the tongue, supporting functions such as speech, mastication, and swallowing, while extrinsic muscles move the tongue relative to other oral structures. All tongue muscles are innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII), except for the palatoglossus, which is innervated by the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X)[1][8]. The muscle fibers are mainly of type II (fast-twitch), suited for rapid and complex movements essential for oral function[2]. The tongue as an organ is a muscular hydrostat, allowing intricate shaping and positioning without skeletal support[8]. Because "tongue muscle" is not a molecular entity nor a canonical target for drug action, it is not considered a valid therapeutic target per conventional definitions.

Other names

Intrinsic muscles of the tongueextrinsic muscles of the tongue

Not applicable