Anatomy & Histology · single question
Which pair of muscles ELEVATES the tongue?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Palatoglossus and styloglossus
- A. Genioglossus PROTRUDES and depresses the tongue; hyoglossus DEPRESSES and retracts it — both are depressors, not elevators.
- B. CORRECT. STYLOGLOSSUS (from the styloid process) retracts and ELEVATES the tongue; PALATOGLOSSUS (from the palatine aponeurosis) elevates the posterior tongue and is the only tongue muscle innervated by the VAGUS (CN X, via the pharyngeal plexus) rather than the hypoglossal nerve.
- C. Hyoglossus is a depressor, so this pair is mixed.
- D. Genioglossus is a protruder/depressor, so this pair is mixed.
Note: Memory hook: the muscle beginning with 'palato-' or 'stylo-' pulls the tongue UP; 'genio-' and 'hyo-' pull it DOWN or FORWARD.
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