The transverse tongue muscle is one of the four intrinsic tongue muscles, consisting of fibres running horizontally from the median fibrous septum to the lateral tongue margins. Its contraction narrows the tongue from side to side and simultaneously elongates it, contributing to tongue protrusion and the ability to form the tongue into narrow shapes required for certain consonant sounds and swallowing.
| Origin | Median fibrous septum of the tongue |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Lateral margin of the tongue (submucous fibrous tissue) |
| Nerve Supply | Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) |
| Blood Supply | Lingual artery (deep and dorsal lingual branches) |
| Actions |
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|---|
It narrows and lengthens the tongue, allowing it to protrude and change shape for speech and eating.
The transverse tongue muscle works synergistically with the other intrinsic tongue muscles to produce the complex three-dimensional tongue shapes required for speech and swallowing. In hypoglossal nerve palsy, all intrinsic muscles including the transverse muscle become paralysed on the affected side, causing the tongue to deviate toward the paralysed side on protrusion as the contralateral genioglossus unopposedly pushes the tongue away. Electromyographic assessment of the tongue in CN XII lesions records from this and other intrinsic muscles collectively.
Not directly palpable individually; assessed functionally by observing tongue narrowing during protrusion.
Denervation of the transverse tongue muscle and other intrinsic muscles produces ipsilateral tongue atrophy with fasciculations, tongue deviation toward the affected side on protrusion, and dysarthria affecting consonants requiring precise tongue tip positioning.
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