The transverse muscle of tongue is a one of the four intrinsic muscles which form and give shape to this organ. It lies transversely (across) the whole length of the tongue. It originates from the septum of the tongue, which extends lengthwise along the middle of this organ, from the root to its tip. Then these separate transverse muscle fibers run laterally to end up in the mucous membrane of the lateral border and dorsum of tongue.
Action
The transverse muscle reduces the transverse diameter of the tongue and makes it transversely convex.
Innervation
It is innervated by terminal branches of hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
Blood Supply
The transverse muscle of tongue is supplied by collateral branches of the lingual artery.
Below, view of inferior aspect of the organ of speech. Extrinsic and intrinsic muscles can be seen, with the transverse muscle fibers running across the length of tongue.
