Problem 15 - Anatomy and Physiology of Animals

Question

The names of the extrinsic tongue muscles commonly end in ___________. a. -glottis b. -glossus C. -gluteus d. -hyoid

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (b) -glossus.

Step 1: Identify Key Terms

To tackle this question, first understand what 'extrinsic tongue muscles' are. They are muscles that originate outside the tongue and attach inside the tongue, allowing for movement.

Step 2: Analyze the Options

Examine the suffixes provided in the answer choices: - Option (a) '-glottis' - Option (b) '-glossus' - Option (c) '-gluteus' - Option (d) '-hyoid'. Each of these has a specific meaning and etymology related to para-medical terminology.

Step 3: Match Suffixes with Anatomical Structures

Extrinsic tongue muscles often have names ending in '-glossus', as 'glossus' is derived from the Greek word 'glossa', meaning tongue. Examples include the genioglossus, hyoglossus, styloglossus, and palatoglossus muscles.

Step 4: Eliminate Wrong Options

- '-glottis' relates to the glottis, part of the larynx. - '-gluteus' relates to the gluteal region (buttocks). - '-hyoid' refers to the hyoid bone area, connected to tongue function but not specifically naming the extrinsic muscles.

Step 5: Confirm Correct Answer

By matching the common suffix used in muscle names with the function it describes, '-glossus' is confirmed as the correct suffix for extrinsic tongue muscles.

Key Concepts

Anatomical Structures

Extrinsic tongue muscles are an essential part of our anatomy. They are unique because they start outside of the tongue and insert into it. This positioning allows them to control the movement of the tongue, which is important for speaking, eating, and swallowing.

Understanding the structure of these muscles can help us appreciate their function:

• Origins: The site where the muscle begins, which is external to the tongue.
• Insertions: Where the muscle attaches within the tongue.
• Functions: Each muscle plays a role in manipulating the position and shape of the tongue.

These muscles play a vital role in flexible tongue movement, contributing significantly to human communication and digestion.

Muscle Nomenclature

The naming of muscles, including the extrinsic tongue muscles, follows a systematic method derived from origins and functions. Most extrinsic tongue muscles have names ending in '-glossus', a term that indicates their association with the tongue.

The common nomenclature can include aspects like:

• The part of the body or bone where the muscle originates, such as 'hyo' related to the hyoid bone in the 'hyoglossus'.
• The function of the muscle, indicating its movement or action.

This systematic naming helps in identifying both the muscle's location and its functional characteristics, proving essential for medical professionals and students alike.

Greek Etymology

Understanding the etymology of medical terminology is crucial to grasp the connection between words and their meanings. Many terms, especially in anatomy, are derived from Greek. The suffix '-glossus' comes from the Greek word 'glossa', which means tongue.

This Greek influence is prevalent in:

• Identifying the relationship between the muscle and its function.
• Providing consistency in naming conventions across different languages and cultures.

Knowing the etymological roots aids medical students in memorizing and understanding anatomical terms more efficiently.

Tongue Movement

The extrinsic tongue muscles are vital for moving the tongue in various directions, essential for speech and mastication (chewing). Different muscles are responsible for different kinds of movements:

• Genioglossus: Helps in protruding the tongue by pulling it forward.
• Hyoglossus: Depresses and retracts the tongue for swallowing.
• Styloglossus: Elevates and retracts the tongue, aiding in swallowing.
• Palatoglossus: Raises the back of the tongue during the act of swallowing.

These functions emphasize the versatile capability of the tongue, which is made possible by the coordinated effort of these muscles. Understanding these movements is crucial in fields like speech therapy and linguistics.