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Muscles/Neck

Neck

hyoglossus

hy-oh-GLOSS-us

The hyoglossus is a thin tongue muscle running from the hyoid bone (under chin) up into the tongue's side. It depresses and retracts the tongue, aiding swallowing and speech. Rarely targeted in fitness, but dysfunction affects eating and breathing mechanics.

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Common Pain & Injury

Rarely symptomatic alone; strain from tongue thrusting or post-surgery can cause submandibular ache or swallowing pain. See ENT if dysphagia or referred ear pain persists.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Body and greater horn of hyoid bone (U-shaped bone below chin)

Insertion

Lateral tongue and side of tongue (into tongue musculature)

Actions

  • Depresses tongue (pulls down)
  • Retracts tongue (pulls back)

Innervation

Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

GenioglossusStyloglossus

Synergists

MylohyoidDigastric

Trigger Points

Not well-documented; occasional local soreness without clear referral.

Stretches

1Tongue depressor stretch
2Hyoid retraction exercise
3Submandibular massage stretch

Common Conditions

Hyoglossus strainDysphagiaHypoglossal nerve palsy

Anatomical Parts

Left hyoglossusRight hyoglossus

FAQ

What does hyoglossus muscle do?

Pulls tongue down and back to aid swallowing and clear airway.

Hyoglossus pain under chin?

Uncommon, but from overuse in speech therapy or injury; refers to jaw or ear.

Hyoglossus stretch?

Gently depress tongue with tool while retracting jaw.

Exercises for hyoglossus

8

Also Works hyoglossus

1

Related Neck Muscles

arytenoid cartilage
Paired laryngeal cartilages in throat enabling voice production via vocal cord movement. Not muscle but closest for neck; singers train supporting muscles. Vital for breathing/speaking.
Ascending part of right trapezius
The ascending part of the right trapezius is the uppermost portion of the trapezius muscle on the right side, running from the base of the skull and upper cervical spine up toward the clavicle and shoulder. It elevates the scapula (shoulder blade) and assists in neck extension and rotation, crucial for shrugging movements and maintaining upright posture during lifts. Strong ascending traps prevent neck strain in overhead presses and rows.
cervical rotator
Cervical rotators are deep neck muscles like obliquus capitis inferior and splenius cervicis that turn the head side-to-side. Located deep in the upper cervical spine, they enable rotation for looking over shoulder. Vital for neck mobility in sports and daily turns.
cricothyroid
The cricothyroid is a small intrinsic laryngeal muscle in the anterior neck, tensing vocal cords for higher pitch. Located between cricoid and thyroid cartilages, it's key for singing and speaking. Matters for vocal athletes like singers.
digastric
The digastric has anterior and posterior bellies under the jaw, opening the mouth by depressing mandible. Runs from mandible to mastoid via sling, key for chewing and yawning.
geniohyoid
Thin neck muscle under chin pulling hyoid forward/up, geniohyoid aids swallowing and tongue movement. Supports neck stability in planks.
iliocostalis cervicis
Iliocostalis cervicis is the neck portion of the erector spinae, running vertically along upper back to cervical ribs. It extends and laterally bends the neck, vital for posture in overhead lifts and sports. Supports head stability in fitness.
inferior pharyngeal constrictor
Inferior pharyngeal constrictor wraps lower throat, constricting for swallowing. Supports airway protection.

Neck Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

Activities & Sports

See which activities use hyoglossus

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide