Hyoglossus

Written by Max Bidewell

Last updated January 17, 2023 • 4 Revisions

The hyoglossus is an extrinsic muscle of the tongue. It is located in the floor of the oral cavity, immediately lateral to the geniohyoid muscle.

  • Attachments: Arises from the hyoid bone and inserts onto the lateral aspect of the tongue.
  • Function: Depression and retraction of the tongue.
  • Innervation: Hypoglossal nerve.
  • Blood supply: Lingual artery with contributions from the tonsillar artery.

Fig 1
The extrinsic muscles of the tongue. Note the palatoglossus muscle is not included in this illustration.

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