The chondroglossus muscle is a special muscle. It is an essential element in the musculature of the tongue and performs a variety of important tasks. In principle, the chondroglossus muscle represents a muscle of relatively short length.
What is the chondroglossus muscle?
The chondroglossus muscle is also referred to by some of the medical community by the rather colloquial term cartilage tongue muscle, which tends to be used. It is a comparatively small and short muscle. As a rule, the chondroglossus muscle only reaches a length of about two centimeters in the majority of individuals. The chondroglossus muscle is located in the area of the head. More precisely, it is a muscle that belongs to the tongue musculature. In addition, the chondroglossus muscle is one of the structurally striated muscles. The anatomical origin of the chondroglossus muscle is in the area of the lesser horn, which is located on the leg of the tongue. Starting from this point, the chondroglossus muscle runs into the tongue. Gradually, the fibers of the chondroglossus muscle merge and connect with the muscles of the tongue. In some medical literature, authors argue that the chondroglossus muscle is not an independent muscle. Instead, the muscle is considered an element of the so-called hyoglossus muscle, from which it splits.
Anatomy and structure
The chondroglossus muscle is distinguished by its typical structure as well as its characteristic location in the musculature of the tongue. As a result, it performs various significant functions related to the movements as well as tasks of the tongue. Basically, the chondroglossus muscle originates from the lesser horn. The medical term for this area is cornu minor. The lesser horn is part of the so-called hyoid bone. The chondroglossus muscle and its muscle fibers usually run cranially. In their further course, the fibers of the chondroglossus muscle pass through two special muscles, namely the inferior longitudinalis muscle and, following it, the genioglossus muscle. In the area of the latter muscle, the chondroglossus muscle runs upward. Subsequently, the chondroglossus muscle passes in the form of a fan into the muscles of the tongue, especially into the so-called submucosa. Only through its innervation is the chondroglossus muscle able to fully perform its tasks in the area of the tongue muscles. The chondroglossus muscle is primarily innervated by the hypoglossal nerve. In some cases, this nerve is also referred to by the abbreviation nerve XII. The hypoglossal nerve is not only responsible for innervation of the hypoglossal nerve, but generally innervates all muscles in the region of the tongue.
Function and tasks
As an important muscle in the musculature of the tongue, the chondroglossus muscle is responsible for a number of significant tasks and functions. The small muscle provides essential support for the mobility of the tongue, a versatile organ of great importance for food intake and communication in humans. One particularly relevant task of the chondroglossus muscle is to move or pull the tongue downward in the posterior region. The chondroglossus muscle works closely with numerous other muscles of the tongue. In this way, the chondroglossus muscle plays an important role in ensuring that the processes associated with swallowing and chewing run smoothly. In addition, the chondroglossus muscle plays an important role in speech. The movement of retraction of the tongue, for which the chondroglossus muscle is primarily responsible, is essential for numerous functions of the organ. In the process of swallowing, for example, saliva, crushed food or liquid, this movement of the tongue is of great importance. This is because it transports the respective substance backwards into the pharynx and from there further into the esophagus. In addition, the chondroglossus muscle contributes significantly to the ability to speak. This is because the backward movement of the tongue is also of great relevance here. The retraction of the tongue is required, for example, in the formation of vowels. The rapid movement of the chondroglossus muscle is essential here to ensure normal speech ability in humans.The chondroglossus muscle also participates in the necessary movements of the tongue for numerous consonants.
Diseases
Various impairments or disorders may occur in connection with the chondroglossus muscle. Affected patients are then impaired in numerous habitual processes related to the mobility of the tongue and thus the chondroglossus muscle. In the case of injuries to the chondroglossus muscle, movement of the tongue backwards is in some cases no longer possible without considerable difficulty. In this way, various movements are made more difficult, sometimes resulting in various problems with swallowing or speaking. The process of chewing is also generally supported by the chondroglossus muscle and is affected if the muscle is impaired. If individuals experience corresponding discomfort in the muscles of the tongue, a physician should be informed of the symptoms so that the injured chondroglossus muscle can be treated, if necessary.
