Intrinsic Muscles of the Tongue
The tongue is composed of both extrinsic and intrinsic muscles. While the extrinsic muscles connect to bone and allow for movement of the tongue as a whole, the intrinsic muscles run the length of the tongue and are responsible for fine motor movements.
There are four main intrinsic muscles of the tongue: the vertical muscle, the transverse muscle, the superior longitudinal muscle, and the inferior longitudinal muscle. These muscles work in harmony to enable essential functions such as speech and swallowing.
The superior longitudinal muscle is located beneath the surface of the tongue, while the inferior longitudinal muscle lines the sides. The styloglossus muscle connects to the inferior longitudinal muscle, adding to its functionality. The transverse muscle divides the tongue into distinct sections, while the vertical muscle is positioned at the center.
Together, the intrinsic muscles of the tongue play a crucial role in its overall mobility and allow for precise control during various oral activities.
Tongue’s Surface
The surface of the tongue is quite remarkable. It is covered by a unique mucous membrane known as the masticatory membrane. What sets this membrane apart is its process of keratinization, meaning it contains a significant amount of keratin, a fibrous substance found in hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin. This keratinization makes the dorsal surface of the tongue resistant to damage from the teeth and hard palate.
Embedded within the masticatory membrane are small, nipple-like papillae that house the taste buds. These papillae come in various shapes and sizes, including filiform, fungiform, foliate, and vallate. Interestingly, only the filiform papillae lack taste buds.