Hyoglossus and Superior Longitudinalis NMCs

This model is produced by manually segmenting the "Visible Human Female" fibre by fibre. In this way the origin and course of the fibres becomes apparent and a finer structure emerges. Hyoglossus has at least 3 neuromuscular compartments. Basioglossus, Ceratoglossus and Chondroglossus. The Superior Longitudinalis (SL) comprises many short fibres. The medial part of this muscle has a different composition of fast and slow fibres to the lateral and anterior part. The medial part is thicker. Anteriorly the fibres course medially. Posteriorly the fibres merge with those of the Chondroglossus. Medial SL and Chondroglossus compartments from a complex. The fibres of the lateral/blade region of the SL course laterally to the periphery of the tongue. Posteriorly it merges with Ceratoglossus. Lateral SL and Ceratoglossus form a complex. Functionally the lateral SL NMC cups the blade, retroflexing the tip without retracting the tongue body.