Muscles Of The Tongue, Mouth And Neck

As Human, it's quite necessary you learn most of your body function. You deserve to know the science behind your body.

The tongue, mouth and neck contain many muscles that help us to speak, swallow, chew and even breath. For each muscle has a special role, and they work together like a team.

1. Tensor palati: Tightens the soft palate during swallowing.

2. Levator palati: Lifts the soft palate so food does not go into the nose.

3. Buccinator and superior constrictor: Keep food between the teeth while chewing and push it towards the throat.

4. Styloglossus: Pulls the tongue back and upward.

5. Stylopharyngeus: Raises the throat during swallowing.

6. Rectus capitis lateralis: Helps in moving the head.

7. Stylohyoid: Lifts the hyoid bone to help swallowing.

8. Inferior oblique: A muscle that moves the eye.

9. Middle constrictor: Narrows the throat when swallowing.

10. Thyropharyngeus: Works with lower throat muscles to push food down.

11. Transverse process of axis (C2): A part of the neck bone.

12. Transverse process of atlas (C1): The first neck bone that supports the head.

13. Superior oblique: Another muscle that moves the eye.

14. Hyoglossus: Pulls the tongue down and back.

15. Genioglossus: Pushes the tongue forward.

16. Geniohyoid / Mylohyoid: Lifts the hyoid bone and floor of the mouth during swallowing.

17. Cricothyroid: Tightens the vocal cords to change voice pitch.

18. Thyrohyoid membrane: A tissue layer that connects the thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone.

Other important parts in this area include:

Stylohyoid ligament: Connects the styloid process to the hyoid bone.

Vertebral artery: Supplies blood to the brain.

Thyroid cartilage: Protects the voice box.

Cricopharyngeus: Works like a valve between the throat and food pipe.

These muscles work all the time without us even thinking about them. When we talk, eat, sing or swallow, they move in a very coordinated way. If even one of them is injured or weak, basic activities like eating or speaking can become difficult.

Getting to understand these muscles can actually help us know how amazing our human body is and why it is important to take care of our health.

All images gotten from my study website Link

Thanks for reading 😘
Enjoy ladies...