Pronunciation: [stˈɜːnəɡlˌɒsə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "sternoglossal" relates to the sternum and tongue muscles. It is pronounced as /stɜːrnəʊˈɡlɒsəl/. The "sterno-" prefix refers to the sternum, while "glossal" refers to the tongue muscles. The two parts of the word are joined by the letter "o," as in many medical terms. The pronunciation of "sternoglossal" may seem tricky, but by breaking it down phonetically, it is easier to understand and pronounce correctly.
The term "sternoglossal" refers to an anatomical structure located in the region of the neck and tongue. Specifically, it pertains to the sternoglossal muscle, which is a small muscle located in the anterior neck region, connecting the sternum (breastbone) and the tongue.
The sternoglossal muscle plays a crucial role in certain movements of the tongue, such as protrusion, retraction, and side-to-side movement. More specifically, it aids in retracting the tongue backward and elevating its posterior aspect, helping to facilitate swallowing and phonation.
This muscle arises from the sternum or the manubrium (uppermost portion of the sternum) and travels superiorly in the neck before it inserts into the back of the tongue. It is innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII), which originates from the brainstem.
Functionally, the sternoglossal muscle works in coordination with other muscles of the tongue and throat to perform various movements necessary for speech and swallowing. This ensures proper articulation of sounds during vocalization, bolus formation and propulsion during swallowing, and maintenance of proper oral hygiene.
Overall, understanding the role and anatomy of the sternoglossal muscle is essential in comprehending the complex mechanisms involved in voice production, swallowing, and general oral health.
Noting muscular fibers which occasionally pass from the sternohyoid muscle to join the hyoglossal muscle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "sternoglossal" is derived from two Greek roots: "sterno" and "glossal".
1. "Sternon" (στέρνον) in Greek means "chest" or "breastbone".
2. "Glossa" (γλῶσσα) in Greek means "tongue".
Therefore, "sternoglossal" combines these two roots to refer to something related to the chest and tongue. In anatomy, the term specifically refers to the sternoglossal muscle, which is a small muscle located in the neck region that is responsible for certain movements of the tongue.
