Anatomy & Histology · single question
Which intrinsic tongue muscle is primarily responsible for narrowing the tongue?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Transverse muscle
The transverse intrinsic muscle narrows and elongates the tongue; the vertical muscle flattens/widens it; the longitudinal muscles shorten and curl it.Other options: Vertical flattens, superior/inferior longitudinal shorten and alter the tip and dorsum shape.Key exam takeaway: Transverse = narrows the tongue; vertical = flattens; longitudinal = shortens.
- A. Correct. The transverse intrinsic tongue muscle narrows and elongates the tongue when it contracts.
- B. The vertical intrinsic muscle flattens and widens the tongue, the opposite action of narrowing.
- C. The superior longitudinal muscle shortens the tongue and curls the tip/edges upward, not narrowing.
- D. The inferior longitudinal muscle shortens the tongue and curls the tip downward, not narrowing.
Note: Transverse = narrows and elongates | Vertical = flattens and widens | Longitudinal (sup/inf) = shortens the tongue.
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