The genioglossus is the primary muscle involved sticking out your tongue. The styloglossus is responsible for pulling the tongue back in, making it a(n) _______ for sticking out your tongue?

• A. Agonist.
• B. Synergist.
• C. Antagonist.
• D. Fixator.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the genioglossus muscle: It is primarily responsible for protruding or sticking out the tongue.
2. Identify the function of the styloglossus muscle: It pulls the tongue back into the mouth.
3. Define the term 'antagonist' in muscle movement: An antagonist muscle opposes the action of another muscle, typically the agonist.
4. Recognize that when the genioglossus (agonist) sticks out the tongue, the styloglossus acts in opposition by pulling it back, making it the antagonist.
5. Conclude that the styloglossus is the antagonist to the genioglossus when considering the action of sticking out the tongue.