**Question:** Tongue muscles develops from which structures?

**Core Concept:** The tongue is a muscular organ responsible for speech, taste, and swallowing. It is composed of both involuntary and voluntary muscles. The development of these muscles occurs during embryonic life.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The tongue muscles, particularly the involuntary muscles, develop from the mesoderm layer of the embryo. The external layer of the mesoderm, known as the somites, contributes to the formation of the involuntary muscles of the tongue. These muscles are called the myenteric and submucosal plexuses.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. **Neural crest cells** are involved in the development of the autonomic nervous system, not the tongue muscles.
B. **Neural tube** cells are involved in the formation of the central nervous system and peripheral nerves, not the muscles of the tongue.
C. **Endoderm cells** are responsible for the formation of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems, not the tongue muscles.
D. **Somites** are the correct answer mentioned above, contributing to the formation of involuntary muscles in the tongue.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact:** Understanding the embryonic development of the tongue muscles is essential for understanding the anatomical basis of speech and swallowing disorders. This knowledge can aid in diagnosing and treating such conditions effectively.

**Correct Answer:** D. Somites