All of the following are the extrinsic muscles of the tongue, EXCEPT:

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

Stapedoglossus is not a recognized muscle in human anatomy.
The term appears to be a fabricated name combining 'stapedius' (a muscle of the middle ear) and 'glossus' (pertaining to the tongue).
Since it does not exist, it cannot be an extrinsic muscle of the tongue, making it the correct answer for this 'EXCEPT' question.

Option A: This is incorrect because Hyoglossus is a true extrinsic muscle of the tongue.
Option C: This is incorrect because Styloglossus is a true extrinsic muscle of the tongue.
Option D: This is incorrect because Genioglossus is a true extrinsic muscle of the tongue.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessing the function of the extrinsic tongue muscles is a crucial part of a neurological exam, specifically for testing the integrity of the hypoglossal nerve (Cranial Nerve XII).
Paralysis of the genioglossus muscle is a major clinical concern as it can cause the tongue to fall backward and obstruct the airway, especially in an unconscious patient. The 'jaw-thrust' maneuver is designed to pull the tongue forward.
What if? If a patient's tongue deviates to the left side upon protrusion, it indicates a lesion of the left hypoglossal nerve. The unopposed action of the right genioglossus muscle pushes the tongue toward the weak or paralyzed side.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative keyword 'EXCEPT' in the question. This signals that you must find the option that does not belong to the specified group.
The question asks to identify the option that is NOT an extrinsic muscle of the tongue.
Recall the four extrinsic muscles of the tongue: Genioglossus, Hyoglossus, Styloglossus, and Palatoglossus.
Systematically compare the given options to your recalled list.
Hyoglossus, Styloglossus, and Genioglossus are all known extrinsic muscles.
Stapedoglossus is the outlier. Even if you don't know the 'stapedius' muscle, the name is inconsistent with the other 'glossus' muscles that originate from the 'genio' (chin), 'hyo' (hyoid bone), and 'stylo' (styloid process), making it the most likely exception.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Anatomy of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue
Stem keywords: extrinsic muscles, tongue
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the option that is NOT an extrinsic muscle of the tongue.

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E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 2 Part 1 p. 83-85

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.