Muscle
Styloglossus
Draws the tongue backward and upward
High-yield
Styloglossus helps draw the tongue back and lift its sides during bolus transport. Its retraction opposes the protruding action of genioglossus, although the muscles also cooperate in complex tongue movements.
Overview
Styloglossus descends forward from the temporal styloid region into the lateral tongue. Its fibers blend with other tongue muscles, allowing coordinated retraction and elevation rather than movement of an isolated block of tissue.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Styloid process of the temporal bone, with fibers also attached to the stylomandibular ligament
- Insertion
- Lateral tongue, interweaving with hyoglossus and longitudinal intrinsic fibers
- Innervation
- Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
- Action
- Retracts the tongue and raises its lateral margins, helping direct food toward the oropharynx
- Blood supply
- Lingual arterial branches, including the sublingual branch
Frequently asked questions
What does the styloglossus do?
The styloglossus retracts the tongue and raises its lateral margins, helping direct food toward the oropharynx.
What nerve innervates the styloglossus?
The styloglossus is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
Where does the styloglossus attach?
Origin: Styloid process of the temporal bone, with fibers also attached to the stylomandibular ligament. Insertion: Lateral tongue, interweaving with hyoglossus and longitudinal intrinsic fibers.
What is the blood supply of the styloglossus?
The styloglossus is supplied by the lingual arterial branches, including the sublingual branch.