Genioglossus muscle

The genioglossus muscle is a muscle of the tongue that connects the chin to the tongue and hyoid bone. When contracted, it draws the tongue forward.

Origin
The genioglossus originates at the symphysis menti - the front center of the mandible (jaw bone) that forms the chin.

Insertion
The genioglossus inserts at the dorsum (upper surface) of the tongue and the hyoid bone.

Innervation
The genioglossus is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (XII).

Word origin
The genioglossus gets its name from geneion, Greek for chin, and glossus, meaning tongue.