Hyoglossus muscle (m. hyoglossus): anatomy and functions

Location and borders

The muscle is part of the deep muscles of the floor of the oral cavity.

Relative to other muscles: lies posteriorly and laterally to the fan-shaped genioglossus muscle (m. genioglossus).
In the submandibular triangle: together with m. mylohyoideus, it is covered by the deep layer of the superficial (second) cervical fascia.
In the region of the root of the tongue: serves as the lateral boundary of the fascial space of the root of the tongue along with m. genioglossus.

What runs near the muscle (topography)?

Between m. hyoglossus and m. mylohyoideus run the submandibular gland excretory duct (Wharton's duct), the hypoglossal nerve (n. hypoglossus, cranial nerve XII), and the lingual vein (v. lingualis). Superior to the gland in the same space lies the lingual nerve (n. lingualis). Along the course of the excretory duct, the fascial space of the submandibular gland bed communicates with the fascial spaces of the floor of the mouth.

The lingual artery (a. lingualis) runs on the inner (deep) surface of the muscle. M. hyoglossus separates the artery from the vein and nerves.

In the gap between m. hyoglossus and m. genioglossus lie the sublingual salivary gland, the lingual nerve, and the lingual vein. These structures are covered by the mucous membrane and separated from it by a layer of loose connective tissue.

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Blood supply

The lingual artery (a. lingualis) enters the floor of the mouth medial to m. hyoglossus and runs along its deep surface.

The lingual vein (v. lingualis) initially accompanies the artery and then runs along the outer side of the hyoglossus muscle.

Function

The muscle performs two main biomechanical tasks:

Tongue movement: being a skeletal muscle of the tongue, it alters its position — pulls the tongue backward and downward.
Jaw movement: belongs to the anterior group of muscles acting on the mandible and participates in its depression.

Clinical significance

Vascular surgery: the lingual artery lies on the deep surface of m. hyoglossus. Ligation of the artery within Pirogov's triangle reduces the blood supply to the tongue during surgeries.
Topography of fascial spaces: the muscle forms the lateral boundary of the fascial space of the root of the tongue.

Class and exam questions

How does m. hyoglossus separate the vessels and nerves of the tongue?

The lingual artery runs on the inner (deep) surface of the muscle, while the lingual vein and hypoglossal nerve are located on its outer side.

What runs in the space between m. mylohyoideus and m. hyoglossus?

In this cleft run the excretory duct of the submandibular salivary gland, the hypoglossal nerve (n. hypoglossus), and the lingual vein. Along the duct, the connective tissue of the gland bed communicates with the floor of the mouth.

Which muscle group does m. hyoglossus belong to?

It belongs to the skeletal muscles of the tongue that alter its position and to the anterior group of muscles that depress the mandible.

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What else to study on this topic

Mylohyoid muscle (m. mylohyoideus)
Genioglossus muscle (m. genioglossus)
Lingual artery (a. lingualis)
Submandibular salivary gland bed
Topography of the floor of the mouth

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Hyoglossus muscle