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Intrinsic muscles of tongue (anatomy)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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On each side of the lingual septum of the tongue there are four intrinsic muscles. There are four identifiable groups of fibres which are considered in the submenu:

  • superior longitudinal muscle
  • inferior longitudinal muscle
  • transverse muscle
  • vertical muscle

All muscles are innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (XII).

They have key roles in speech, mastication and swallowing.


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