Muscles of the tongue: sagittal section (English)

The attachment points of the extrinsic muscles are especially visible in this image. The genioglossus muscle originates from the superior mental spine of the mandible; its triangular shape inserts along the entire length of the tongue as well as the body of the hyoid bone. The styloglossus muscle originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone; its longitudinal fibers blend with the inferior longitudinal muscle while its oblique fibers decussate with those of the hyoglossus muscle which extends from body and greater horn of the hyoid bone. Finally, the palatoglossus muscle can be identified arising from tissues of the soft palate extending towards the tongue, forming the wall of the palatoglossal arch.