STYLOGLOSSUS MYOLOGY
OVERVIEW
The Styloglossus is a tongue manipulating muscle. Arising from the anterolateral aspect of the styloid process of the temporal bone, it runs along the side of the tongue and inserts on the lateral side of the tongue, blending in with intrinsic muscles. These origination and insertion sites give Styloglossus the ability to elevate and retried the tongue. When this occurs, a physical change in the profile view of the face can be seen. The neckline appears lifted and pulled back. Consciously using Styloglossus and Palatoglossus to improve tongue posture throughout the day can create a lasting change in appearance from the side view.
LOCATION
Located along the lateral aspect of the tongue
ORIGIN
Styloid Process of Temporal Bone
INSERTION
Blends with the intrinsic muscles of the tongue
FUNCTION
Elevates the tongue
Retrudes the tongue
MEWING
Mewing is a term used to refer to exercises that correspond with tongue posture inside of the mouth. These tongue postures heavily rely on the Styloglossus muscle as well as the Palatoglossus muscle to elevate and retrude the tongue. While there are claims that mewing can reshape the surrounding bone structure of your face via the force produced by the tongue, the claims are highly controversial. However, the act of mewing can undoubtedly change the way your face appears from the side. This is because when these muscles elevate and retrude the tongue, they also bring the neck line with them. This profile changing tongue position will give you a cleaner looking profile and a more pronounced chin line.
MEWING SYNERGIST
Palatoglossus: While Styloglossus elevates AND retrudes the tongue, Palatoglossus simply just elevates the tongue. Nonetheless, the two work together to produce favorable visible work.
Palatoglossus: Elevates the tongue.