The genioglossus is an extrinsic muscle of the tongue. It is a large, thick muscle, which contributes significantly to the shape of the tongue.
- Attachments: Arises from the mandibular symphysis. It inserts onto the body of the hyoid bone and the entire length of the tongue.
- Function: Protrusion (‘sticking the tongue out’) and depression of the tongue.
- Innervation: Hypoglossal nerve.
- Blood supply: Lingual artery with contributions from the tonsillar artery.
By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)
Fig 1
The extrinsic muscles of the tongue. Note the palatoglossus muscle is not included in this illustration.