Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. The tongue is a very specialized muscular organ. It helps us to speak, eat, kiss, and swallow. It also cleanses the mouth and helps us taste bitter, sweet, salty, and sour foods.
Muscles work in pairs and there are two major groups of muscles which contribute to tongue movement.
These muscle groups are called intrinsic and extrinsic and are responsible for many tongue movements. The intrinsic muscles include many unnamed muscle groups which are responsible for tongue motility and changes in shape. The extrinsic muscles originate in areas away from the tongue and insert in the tongue. The extrinsic muscles include the genioglossus, styloglossus, hyoglossus, and stylohyoid. The genioglossus muscle originates in the lower jaw on the inner side of the chin.