Inferior longitudinal muscle of tongue

The inferior longitudinal muscle of the tongue is one of the intrinsic muscles of the tongue. It plays a crucial role in the movement and function of the tongue, particularly in speech and swallowing.

Anatomy

The inferior longitudinal muscle is located on the underside of the tongue. It runs from the root of the tongue to the apex, lying between the genioglossus and hyoglossus muscles. This muscle is paired, with one on each side of the midline of the tongue.

Function

The primary function of the inferior longitudinal muscle is to shorten the tongue and curl the tip downward. This action is important for articulating certain sounds in speech and for manipulating food during mastication and swallowing.

Innervation

The muscle is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII), which is responsible for motor control of the tongue muscles.

Clinical significance

Dysfunction of the inferior longitudinal muscle can affect speech and swallowing. Damage to the hypoglossal nerve, which innervates this muscle, can lead to tongue weakness or paralysis, impacting the muscle's ability to perform its functions.

Also see

• Tongue
• Intrinsic muscles of the tongue
• Hypoglossal nerve
• Speech articulation

References

• Gray's Anatomy (1918) - Public domain text