Muscle
Hyoglossus
Hyoid-to-tongue muscle beside key oral structures
High-yield
The lingual artery usually runs medial to hyoglossus. The lingual nerve, submandibular duct and hypoglossal nerve are lateral to it.
Overview
Hyoglossus is a thin sheet rising from the hyoid into the side of the tongue. It helps lower and draw back the tongue. Its medial and lateral surfaces organize several important relationships in the floor of the mouth.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Body and greater horn of the hyoid bone
- Insertion
- Lateral tongue, where its fibers blend with other tongue muscles
- Innervation
- Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
- Action
- Lowers the tongue and assists retraction
- Blood supply
- Lingual arterial branches, including the sublingual branch
Clinical correlation
These close relationships explain why disease or surgery in the floor of the mouth can affect tongue blood supply, sensation or movement. Their positions are landmarks, with individual variation.
Frequently asked questions
What does the hyoglossus do?
The hyoglossus lowers the tongue and assists retraction.
What nerve innervates the hyoglossus?
The hyoglossus is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
Where does the hyoglossus attach?
Origin: Body and greater horn of the hyoid bone. Insertion: Lateral tongue, where its fibers blend with other tongue muscles.
What is the blood supply of the hyoglossus?
The hyoglossus is supplied by the lingual arterial branches, including the sublingual branch.