EMBRYOLOGICALLY, the tongue is derived from two main sources. The anterior portion, which forms the anterior two thirds of the tongue, is derived from tissues of the first branchial region. These tissues, growing from each side of the tuberculum impar, finally enclose it. This distal portion of the tongue, formed by fusion of the lateral masses, is in reality two separate organs, each with its own blood and nerve supply, joined together in the midline by a fibrous partition or septum.
The posterior portion of the tongue is formed from tissue masses at the medial ends of the second arches. These masses fuse to form a single mass and do not have the septum common to the anterior portion.
The blood supply of the tongue is derived from the lingual artery and its branches.
The anterior portion of the tongue receives its nerve supply for taste from the chorda tympani