Genioglossus
Genioglossus
Genioglossus (pronounced: jee-nee-oh-gloss-us) is a muscle of the tongue. It is one of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue, meaning it is responsible for the movement and shape of the tongue.
Etymology
The term "Genioglossus" is derived from the Greek words "genio" meaning chin and "glossus" meaning tongue. This is due to the muscle's origin at the mental spine of the mandible (lower jawbone) and its insertion into the tongue.
Function
The primary function of the Genioglossus is to protrude the tongue or depress it. This muscle plays a crucial role in speech, swallowing, and mastication (chewing).
Related Terms
- Extrinsic muscles of the tongue: These are the muscles that are responsible for the major movements of the tongue. They include the Genioglossus, Hyoglossus, Styloglossus, and Palatoglossus.
- Intrinsic muscles of the tongue: These muscles allow for the fine control of the shape and size of the tongue, important for speech and swallowing.
- Mandible: The lower jawbone, where the Genioglossus originates.
- Speech: The vocalized form of human communication, which the Genioglossus plays a role in by controlling the movement of the tongue.
- Swallowing: The process by which food passes from the mouth, to the pharynx, and into the esophagus, with the aid of the Genioglossus.
- Mastication: The process of chewing food, in which the Genioglossus plays a role by controlling the movement of the tongue.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Genioglossus
- Wikipedia's article - Genioglossus
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