Corpus: Chondroglossus muscle

The chondroglossus muscle is a short muscle that is part of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue. Some authors consider it a subdivision of the hyoglossus muscle rather than an independent muscle.

The chondroglossus muscle originates from the lesser horn (cornu minor) of the hyoid bone. Its fibers run upward, passing through the inferior longitudinal muscle and then the genioglossus muscle. The fibers continue to ascend within the tongue and fan out into the submucosa.

Like all tongue muscles, the chondroglossus muscle is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII).

The chondroglossus muscle retracts and depresses the tongue. It works in conjunction with other tongue muscles to facilitate chewing, swallowing, and speaking.