Mouse Tongue Tissue - 40x
This digital image depicts a three-dimensional reconstruction of mouse tongue tissue imaged at 40x. The primary tongue muscle in mice, as well as humans, is the geniglossus. The geniglossus muscle is fan-shaped and attached to the middle of the lower jawbone. It is responsible for holding the tongue in its forward position and for protruding the tongue. Abnormal relaxation of the geniglossus muscle during sleep is often implicated in the condition known as obstructive sleep apnea, which is characterized by pauses in breathing caused by airway obstruction.