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.
By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2024)
Fig 1 – The extrinsic muscles of the tongue. Note the palatoglossus muscle is not included in this illustration.