Anatomy of Tongue : Mnemonics

Muscles

Intrinsic	Extrinsic
Alter the shape of tongue	Attaches tongue to the bone
Mnemonic: VIST	Mnemonic: Paris St. German Hour
1. Vertical	1. Palatoglossus (Palate) – anatomically a pharyngeal muscle
2. Inferior longitudinal	2. Styloglossus (Styloid)
3. Superior longitudinal	3. Genioglossus (Genial tubercle of mandible)
4. Transverse	4. Hyoglossus (Hyoid)

All the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles are supplied by hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) except Palatoglossus which is supplied by the pharyngeal plexus (CN IX, CN X and sympathetics).

Genioglossus protrude tongue and if paralyzed will fall back on the oropharynx and block the air passage.

Sensory nerve supply

Nerve supply	Anterior 2/3	Posterior 1/3	Posterior-most (Vallecula)
Sensory	Lingual (CN V3)	CN IX	CN X (Internal laryngeal)
Taste	Chorda tympani (CN VII)	CN IX	CN X (Internal laryngeal)
Development of epithelium	1st arch	3rd arch	4th arch

Mnemonics:

• Anterior 2/3 has 2 nerve supplies
• Posterior 1/3 has 1 nerve supply
  • Mirror image of “P” resembles “9”

Lymphatic drainage

All parts have Bilateral drainage except Lateral portions of Anterior 2/3 of tongue.

1. Tip: Bilateral submental lymph nodes
2. Anterior 2/3:
   • Lateral: Ipsilateral submandibular lymph nodes
   • Central: Bilateral inferior deep cervical lymph nodes (Jugulo-omohyoid)
3. Posterior 1/3: Bilateral superior deep cervical lymph nodes (Jugulo-digastric)

Final drainage: Jugulo-omohyoid nodes (known as lymph nodes of tongue)

Blood supply

Arterial supply: Lingual artery (branch of ECA)

Venous drainage: Lingual vein (drains into IJV)