One group are muscles that comprise the core of the tongue and are placed within it, and therefore are called the intrinsic muscles. There are two groups of muscles associated with the tongue. This article will discuss the anatomy of the tongue, taste sensation, the gustatory pathway, as well as pathological conditions related to the tongue. Unilateral and bilateral paralysis of hypoglossal nerve, paralysis of facial nerve, dysarthria, damage to taste sensation, papillae, tongue muscles Posterior third: superior laryngeal and glossopharyngeal (CN IX) nerves → inferior glossopharyngeal and inferior vagal ganglia → anterior solitary tract nucleusįrom anterior solitary tract nucleus → central tegmental tract → thalamus → gustatory cortex Posterior one-third and vallate papillae: glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), superior laryngeal nerve (branch of vagus nerve CN X)Īnterior two-thirds: facial nerve (CN VII) → chorda tympani → geniculate and otic ganglia → anterior solitary tract nucleus Receptors: taste buds within fungiform, vallate, and foliate papillaeĪnterior two-thirds: chorda tympani (branch of facial nerve CN VII) Innervated by hypoglossal nerve (CN XII), except palatoglossus innervated by vagus nerve (CN X) (via branches of pharyngeal plexus)

Genioglossus, hyoglossus, styloglossus, and palatoglossus Superior longitudinal, inferior longitudinal, transverse, and vertical muscles Key facts about the muscles and taste sensation of the tongue Intrinsic muscles The rich motor and sensory innervation of the tongue is carried by four cranial nerves Its main functions include sensation of taste, mastication (chewing), deglutition (swallowing), speech, and clearing the oral cavity.

The tongue is a muscular organ situated in the oral cavity, and an accessory digestive organ.

Boundless game clustered tongue