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Transverse muscle of the tongue

The transverse muscle of the tongue is one of the intrinsic muscles located entirely within the tongue, playing a crucial role in altering the shape and size of the tongue. It is essential for precise tongue movements required for speech, swallowing, and manipulation of food within the oral cavity. Its unique transverse fibers help in narrowing and elongating the tongue, making it an important component of tongue mobility and function.

Synonyms

  • Transversus linguae muscle

  • Musculus transversus linguae

Function

  • Narrows and elongates the tongue

  • Assists in shaping the tongue for articulation and swallowing

  • Contributes to the precision of tongue movements needed for speech

Origin and Insertion

  • Origin: Median fibrous septum of the tongue

  • Insertion: Lateral margins of the tongue (submucosal tissue)

Nerve Supply

  • Motor nerve: Hypoglossal nerve (Cranial Nerve XII)

Artery Supply

  • Primary artery: Lingual artery (branch of external carotid artery)

  • Additional supply: Tonsillar branch of the facial artery

Vein Supply

  • Primary vein: Lingual vein (drains into the internal jugular vein)

MRI Appearance

  • T1-weighted: Intermediate to low signal intensity, similar to other tongue muscles

  • T2-weighted: Intermediate signal intensity; muscle appears relatively homogeneous

  • STIR: Hyperintense (bright) signal if there is edema or pathology; otherwise, normal muscle appears intermediate

CT Appearance

  • Appears as a soft tissue structure with muscle density, indistinguishable from other intrinsic tongue muscles unless pathology or contrast is present

MRI images

Transverse muscle of tongue MRI IMAGE -img-00000-00000