What are the main embryological origins of the tongue?

The tongue develops from two main parts: the anterior two-thirds (oral part) originates from the first pharyngeal arch, while the posterior one-third (pharyngeal part) arises from the third and fourth pharyngeal arches via the hypobranchial eminence.

How do the developmental swellings contribute to tongue formation?

Five swellings are involved: lateral lingual swellings and tuberculum impar from the first arch form the anterior tongue, while the hypobranchial eminence from the second, third, and fourth arches gives rise to the posterior tongue and epiglottis.

What is the nerve supply correlation for different parts of the tongue?

Nerve supply varies by region: anterior two-thirds has general sensation by lingual nerve and taste by chorda tympani; posterior one-third is supplied by glossopharyngeal nerve; posterior-most part is innervated by superior laryngeal nerve; and all muscles are controlled by hypoglossal nerve.

What are some common clinical abnormalities related to tongue development?

Common abnormalities include aglossia (complete absence), hemiglossia (half tongue), ankyloglossia (tongue tie), and bifid tongue (failure of fusion), resulting from developmental failures like improper swelling fusion or tissue migration.

How does the tongue separate from the floor of the mouth during development?

The tongue initially forms continuously with the floor of the mouth. It becomes distinct through the formation of the linguogingival sulcus on each side, allowing it to rise as a separate structure.

What is the role of the hypobranchial eminence in tongue development?

The hypobranchial eminence is a median swelling from the second, third, and fourth arches. Its cranial part forms the posterior one-third of the tongue, while its caudal part contributes to the posterior-most tongue and epiglottis.

How do tongue muscles develop and what is their innervation?

Tongue muscles originate from occipital myotomes and migrate into the tongue. They are all innervated by the hypoglossal nerve, which accompanies them during this migration.

Tongue Development – Pharyngeal Arch Contributions

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