Styloglossus

Written by Max Bidewell

Last updated January 17, 2023 • 6 Revisions

The styloglossus is an extrinsic muscle of the tongue. It is a thin, paired muscle, located on either side of the oropharynx.

  • Attachments: Originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone and inserts onto the lateral aspect of the tongue.
  • Function: Retraction and elevation 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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