Anatomy & Histology · single question
Which muscle is responsible for narrowing (constricting) the tongue?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Transverse muscle
The transverse intrinsic muscle of the tongue narrows and elongates it by pulling the lateral edges medially. The four intrinsic tongue muscles are: superior longitudinal (shortens/curls tip up), inferior longitudinal (shortens/curls tip down), transverse (narrows), and vertical (flattens). All are innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).
- A. ❌ Hyoglossus depresses and retracts the tongue.
- B. ✅ CORRECT – The transverse intrinsic muscle pulls lateral borders toward the midline, narrowing and elongating the tongue.
- C. ❌ Styloglossus retracts and elevates the tongue.
- D. ❌ Genioglossus protrudes the tongue and depresses its center — it does not narrow it.
Practice Anatomy & Histology questions Anatomy & Histology study notes