The styloglossus muscle is a skeletal muscle that is part of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue.
Anatomy
Course
The styloglossus muscle originates from the anterior and lateral aspects of the Styloid process of the Temporal bone and from the stylomandibular ligament. The muscle fibers of the styloglossus divide into two bundles at the side of the tongue. One part runs directly into the body of the tongue, where it blends with the fibers of the inferior longitudinal muscle. The other part runs transversely inferiorly and overlaps the hyoglossus muscle, with whose fibers it blends.
Innervation
The styloglossus muscle is innervated by the Hypoglossal nerve.
Function
The styloglossus muscle moves the tongue backward and upward and assists in swallowing.
