MuscleTongue — extrinsic
Genioglossus
Latin: M. genioglossus
Location: Head
View the genioglossus in 3DOrigin
Superior mental spine (genial tubercle) of the mandible.
Insertion
Body of the hyoid and the whole length of the tongue's dorsum.
Action
Protrudes the tongue — the airway's safety muscle; unilateral action deviates it to the opposite side.
Nerve supply
Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
Blood supply
Lingual artery.
Clinical relevance
In anaesthesia, a relaxed genioglossus falls back and obstructs the airway — the reason chin-lift and jaw-thrust work. CN XII palsy deviates the tongue toward the lesion.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.