All intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue are supplied by the hypoglossal nerve EXCEPT one. Which muscle is the exception, and what is its nerve supply?

• A Genioglossus, supplied by the lingual nerve
• B Hypoglossus, supplied by the ansa cervicalis
• C Styloglossus, supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve
• D Palatoglossus, supplied by the vagus nerve via the pharyngeal plexus ✓

Explanation

Palatoglossus is developmentally and functionally a palatal muscle; it elevates the posterior tongue and narrows the fauces during swallowing, and it is supplied by the vagus nerve through the pharyngeal plexus (cranial part of the accessory distribution). All other intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles, including genioglossus, styloglossus and hyoglossus, receive hypoglossal supply. The lingual nerve is sensory to the anterior tongue and carries chorda tympani fibres but supplies no tongue muscle.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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