How does the m. hyoglossus separate the vessels and nerves of the tongue?

The lingual artery runs along the internal (deep) surface of the muscle, whereas the lingual vein and hypoglossal nerve are located on its superficial (external) side.

What structures pass through the gap between m. mylohyoideus and m. hyoglossus?

The submandibular duct, hypoglossal nerve (n. hypoglossus), and lingual vein pass through this cleft. Along the duct, the submandibular gland bed communicates with the floor of the mouth.

To which muscle group does the m. hyoglossus belong?

It belongs to the extrinsic muscles of the tongue that alter its position, as well as the anterior group of muscles that depress the mandible.

Hyoglossus Muscle: Anatomy, Relations and Function

Hyoglossus Muscle

m. hyoglossus

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

The hyoglossus muscle (m. hyoglossus) is an extrinsic skeletal muscle of the tongue and a deep muscle of the floor of the mouth, also belonging to the anterior group of muscles that depress the mandible. It has high topographic significance: the lingual artery runs along its deep (internal) surface, while the lingual vein and hypoglossus nerve run along its superficial (external) surface. Its primary function is to alter the position of the tongue by pulling it backward and downward.

GroupExtrinsic muscles of the tongue, deep muscles of the floor of the mouth

FunctionRetracts and depresses the tongue, helps depress the mandible

FasciaCovered by the deep layer of the cervical fascia

Location and Relations

The muscle is part of the deep musculature of the floor of the oral cavity.

Relative to other muscles: lies posterior and lateral to the fan-shaped genioglossus muscle (m. genioglossus).
In the submandibular triangle: along with the mylohyoideus muscle (m. mylohyoideus), it is covered by the deep layer of the investing cervical fascia.
In the root of the tongue: forms the lateral boundary of the cellular fascial space of the root of the tongue together with the m. genioglossus.

Topographic Relations

Between the m. hyoglossus and m. mylohyoideus, the submandibular duct (Wharton's duct), the hypoglossal nerve (n. hypoglossus, CN XII), and the lingual vein (v. lingualis) pass through. Superior to the submandibular gland within the same cleft lies the lingual nerve (n. lingualis). Along the course of the submandibular duct, the fascial space of the submandibular gland bed communicates with the connective tissue of the floor of the mouth.

On the internal (deep) surface of the muscle, the lingual artery (a. lingualis) runs. The m. hyoglossus separates the artery from the vein and nerves.

In the gap between the m. hyoglossus and m. genioglossus lie the sublingual salivary gland, the lingual nerve, and the lingual vein. These structures are covered by the oral mucosa and separated from it by a layer of loose connective tissue.

Blood Supply

The lingual artery (a. lingualis) enters the floor of the oral cavity medial to the m. hyoglossus and runs along its deep surface.

The lingual vein (v. lingualis) initially accompanies the artery and then travels along the superficial (lateral) side of the hyoglossus muscle.

Function

The muscle performs two main biomechanical tasks:

Tongue movement: as an extrinsic muscle of the tongue, it changes its position by pulling the tongue backward and downward.
Mandible movement: belongs to the anterior group of muscles acting on the mandible, participating in its depression.

Clinical Significance

Vascular surgery: the lingual artery lies on the deep surface of the m. hyoglossus. Ligation of the artery within Pirogov's triangle reduces blood supply to the tongue during surgical procedures.
Fascial spaces topography: the muscle serves as the lateral boundary of the cellular space of the root of the tongue.

Frequently asked questions

How does the m. hyoglossus separate the vessels and nerves of the tongue?: The lingual artery runs along the internal (deep) surface of the muscle, whereas the lingual vein and hypoglossal nerve are located on its superficial (external) side.
What structures pass through the gap between m. mylohyoideus and m. hyoglossus?: The submandibular duct, hypoglossal nerve (n. hypoglossus), and lingual vein pass through this cleft. Along the duct, the submandibular gland bed communicates with the floor of the mouth.
To which muscle group does the m. hyoglossus belong?: It belongs to the extrinsic muscles of the tongue that alter its position, as well as the anterior group of muscles that depress the mandible.

Go deeper

Mylohyoid muscle (m. mylohyoideus)
Genioglossus muscle (m. genioglossus)
Lingual artery (a. lingualis)
Submandibular gland bed
Topography of the floor of the mouth