Styloglossus

Styloglossus
Extrinsic muscles of the tongue. Left side. (Styloglossus visible at center top.)
Coronal section of tongue, showing intrinsic muscles. (Styloglossus labeled at center left.)
Latin	musculus styloglossus
Gray's	subject #242 1130
Origin	Styloid process of temporal bone
Insertion	tip and sides of tongue
Artery
Nerve	Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Actions	retraction and elevation of tongue

The Styloglossus, the shortest and smallest of the three styloid muscles, arises from the anterior and lateral surfaces of the styloid process, near its apex, and from the stylomandibular ligament.

Passing downward and forward between the internal and external carotid arteries, it divides upon the side of the tongue near its dorsal surface, blending with the fibers of the Longitudinalis inferior in front of the Hyoglossus; the other, oblique, overlaps the Hyoglossus and decussates with its fibers.

Innervation

The styloglossus is innervated by the Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) like all muscles of the tongue except palatoglossus which is innervated by Vagus Nerve CN X carrying CN XI (cranial part).

Action

The styloglossus draws up the sides of the tongue to create a trough for swallowing. As a pair they also aid in retracting the tongue.

Additional images

Left temporal bone. Outer surface.	Muscles of the neck. Anterior view.	The internal carotid and vertebral arteries. Right side.	Course and distribution of the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves.
Hypoglossal nerve, cervical plexus, and their branches.

External links

• LUC stgl
• 503709774 at GPnotebook
• Roche Lexicon - illustrated navigator, at Elsevier 25420.000-1

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated.

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