intrinsic muscles of tongue (anatomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
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.