hyoglossus muscle
Quick Summary
The hyoglossus muscle is one of the muscles of the tongue. It originates from the hyoid bone, specifically from the greater cornua and the body of the bone. These muscles are inserted into the sides of the tongue and play a role in depressing the tongue and widening the oral cavity.12
The hyoid bone itself is a U-shaped bone located at the base of the tongue in the front of the neck. It serves as an attachment point for tongue muscles and muscles in the floor of the mouth. The hyoid bone has no articulation with other bones and moves upward rapidly during swallowing.12
The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) also innervates muscles that control tongue movement, including intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles.34
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