The chondroglossus is a small slip of muscle arising from the lesser horn of the hyoid bone, considered a distinct portion of the hyoglossus complex. It is present as a separate identifiable slip in the majority of individuals and is relevant in surgical anatomy of the floor of the mouth where it lies between the mylohyoid and the main hyoglossus, alongside the submandibular duct and lingual nerve.
| Origin | Medial surface of the lesser horn and body of the hyoid bone (arising separately from the main hyoglossus, which originates from the greater horn) |
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| Insertion | Lateral tongue, blending with the hyoglossus and the inferior longitudinal muscle of the tongue |
| Nerve Supply | Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) |
| Blood Supply | Lingual artery |
| Actions | Depresses and retracts the tongue (as part of the hyoglossus complex); the specific contribution of the chondroglossus is minimal given its small size |
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The chondroglossus is relevant in submandibular gland and salivary duct surgery where it serves as a depth landmark in the floor of mouth. Its position between the mylohyoid and hyoglossus layers helps orient the surgeon to the depth of the submandibular duct and the lingual nerve in the floor of mouth. In tongue reconstruction after partial glossectomy, the chondroglossus and hyoglossus contribute to the posterior tongue remnant that anchors reconstruction flaps.
During submandibular duct stone extraction or submandibular duct rerouting procedures, the chondroglossus between the mylohyoid and hyoglossus layers confirms the correct surgical plane adjacent to the duct; inadvertent deeper dissection through this muscle risks the lingual artery deep to the hyoglossus.
