Transverse muscle of tongue
# Transverse muscle of tongue

The transverse muscle of tongue (transversus linguae) is an intrinsic muscle of the tongue. It consists of fibers which arise from the median fibrous septum. It passes laterally to insert into the submucous fibrous tissue at the sides of the tongue. It is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII). Its contraction elongates and narrows the tongue.

## Structure

The transverse muscle of the tongue is an intrinsic muscle of the tongue. It consists of fibers which arise from the median fibrous septum. It passes laterally to insert into the submucous fibrous tissue at the sides of the tongue.

### Innervation

The transverse lingual muscle is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).

## Function

Contraction of the transverse muscle of the tongue elongates and narrows the tongue.

