This muscle is situated beneath the tongue and between the branches of the lower jaw. With its fellow they stretch across from one branch to the other, and support the tongue as in a sling.

Origin. - From the inner face of the lower jaw behind the molar teeth.

Insertion. - From the point of origin its fibres pass under the tongue and meet those of the muscle from the opposite side in the centre, where they blend together. Behind they are inserted into the spur-like projection of the tongue bone.

Action. - This muscle lifts the tongue towards the palate, and assists in mastication and swallowing.