The hyoglossus muscle is a paired extrinsic muscle of the human tongue. Flat and rectangular in shape, it is located laterally of the genioglossus, at the base and under this organ of speech.
The hyoglossus originates from the superior border of the body and the greater horn of the hyoid bone. Then its fibers travel upwards and anteriorly towards the lateral margins of the root and body of the tongue, where they run between the styloglossus and inferior longitudinal muscle, some reaching the tip of the tongue.
Action
The hyoglossus muscle pulls the tongue backwards and downwards, especially when we swallow our food.
Innervation and Blood Supply
It is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (XII CN) and it receives oxygenated blood from the suprahyoid artery (a branch of the lingual a.) and secondary branches of facial artery, both of which arise from the external carotid artery.
Below, two pictures of human tongue and face, showing the hyoglossus and other extrinsic muscles of this organ.
