Intrinsic muscles of the tongue

Definition

The intrinsic muscles of the tongue are a group of four pairs of muscles that lie entirely within the substance of the tongue. They are responsible for changing the shape of the tongue, aiding in speech and swallowing.

Related terms

Extrinsic Muscles of the Tongue: These are muscles that originate outside the tongue but insert into it, controlling its position and movement for tasks such as speech and swallowing.

Hypoglossal Nerve (Cranial Nerve XII): This cranial nerve innervates both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue, playing a crucial role in coordinating their activities for speech and swallowing.

Phonation: The process by which vocal sounds are produced, involving coordinated movements of various muscles including those in the tongue to modulate airflow and create speech sounds