The transverse muscle of tongue (transversus linguae) is an intrinsic muscle of the

tongue The tongue is a Muscle, muscular organ (anatomy), organ in the mouth of a typical tetrapod. It manipulates food for chewing and swallowing as part of the digestive system, digestive process, and is the primary organ of taste. The tongue's upper s ...

. It consists of fibers which arise from the median fibrous septum. It passes laterally to insert into the submucous fibrous tissue at the sides of the

. It is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII). Its contraction elongates and narrows the tongue.

Structure

The transverse muscle of the tongue is an intrinsic muscle of the

. It consists of fibers which arise from the median fibrous septum. It passes laterally to insert into the submucous fibrous tissue at the sides of the

Innervation

The transverse lingual muscle is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).

Function

Contraction of the transverse muscle of the tongue elongates and narrows the tongue.

References

Muscles of the head and neck Tongue {{muscle-stub