Which muscle protrudes the tongue?

• A. Genioglossus
• B. Palatoglossus
• C. Hyoglossus
• D. Styloglossus

Answer: (A)

Protruding the tongue is accomplished mainly by the genioglossus. This extrinsic tongue muscle originates from the superior mental spine on the inner surface of the mandible and fans backward into the tongue and the hyoid. When both sides contract, the posterior part of the genioglossus muscles pulls the tongue forward, causing protrusion of the tongue tip. If fibers contract more on one side, the tongue can deviate to the opposite side. The genioglossus is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve, which explains why this specific movement is lost with CN XII dysfunction. Other tongue muscles adjust shape or position (for example, palatoglossus elevates the posterior tongue, while hyoglossus depresses it and styloglossus retracts/elevates), but the primary mover for protrusion is the genioglossus.