The tongue is primarily composed of skeletal muscle. It contains both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles that work together to facilitate speech, swallowing, and taste.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Muscles of the Tongue
The tongue's intricate movements are controlled by two main groups of skeletal muscles:
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Intrinsic Muscles: These muscles are located entirely within the tongue and are not attached to any bone. They are responsible for changing the shape of the tongue, allowing for fine motor movements necessary for speech and food manipulation. The four intrinsic muscles are:
- Superior Longitudinal
- Inferior Longitudinal
- Transverse
- Vertical
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Extrinsic Muscles: These muscles originate outside the tongue and insert into it. They are responsible for positioning the tongue within the mouth, enabling protrusion, retraction, elevation, and depression. The four extrinsic muscles (found in pairs, one on each side) are:
- Genioglossus
- Hyoglossus
- Styloglossus
- Palatoglossus
Function and Importance
The combination of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles allows the tongue to perform complex movements, contributing to:
- Speech: Precise tongue movements are crucial for articulating different sounds.
- Swallowing (Deglutition): The tongue manipulates food into a bolus and propels it towards the pharynx.
- Taste: The tongue houses taste buds that detect different flavors.
- Oral Hygiene: The tongue helps to clean the mouth by dislodging food particles.
In summary, the tongue's primary muscle type is skeletal muscle, organized into intrinsic and extrinsic groups for precise control over its shape and position. This muscular structure is essential for crucial functions like speech, swallowing, and taste.
