Tongue transverse muscle fibrosis is a condition in which the transverse intrinsic muscle of the tongue becomes stiff and scarred due to excessive collagen deposition, replacing its normal, flexible muscle fibers. This scarring limits the muscle’s ability to contract and relax, impairing tongue shape, mobility, and function. Fibrosis in this muscle can lead to speech, swallowing, and oral hygiene difficulties when left untreated Physiopedia.
Anatomy
Structure & Location
The transverse muscle of the tongue is one of four intrinsic muscles entirely contained within the tongue’s substance. Fibers run horizontally from the midline (median fibrous septum) toward the lateral edges, forming a thin layer just beneath the mucous membrane. This orientation allows it to change the tongue’s shape without moving its base outside the mouth Wikipedia.
Origin & Insertion
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Origin: Median fibrous septum (also called the lingual septum).
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Insertion: Submucosal fibrous tissue along each lateral margin of the tongue.
These attachments enable the muscle to pull on both sides of the tongue, narrowing and elongating it when fibers contract Kenhub.
Blood Supply
The transverse muscle receives arterial blood primarily from branches of the lingual artery—specifically, the sublingual branch and sometimes small branches from the facial artery. These vessels ensure an adequate oxygen supply for muscle metabolism and repair Kenhub.
Nerve Supply
Motor innervation is provided by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII), which controls all intrinsic and most extrinsic tongue muscles. Damage to this nerve can weaken or paralyze the transverse fibers, mimicking or compounding fibrotic stiffness NCBI.
Key Functions
When healthy, the transverse muscle contributes to:
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Narrowing the tongue to create a pointed shape for precise articulation.
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Elongating the tongue to reach different parts of the oral cavity.
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Shaping consonant sounds (e.g., “t,” “s,” “l”) by adjusting tongue width.
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Aiding swallowing by helping form a midline groove that directs food toward the pharynx.
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Facilitating oral hygiene by allowing the tongue to sweep across teeth and gums.
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Helping with chewing efficiency by adjusting tongue position to reposition food on the teeth Kenhub.
Types of Tongue Transverse Muscle Fibrosis
Fibrosis of the transverse muscle may be classified by onset and distribution:
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Congenital vs. Acquired: Congenital cases stem from developmental anomalies or genetic syndromes; acquired cases follow injury, radiation, chronic inflammation, or systemic disease.
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Localized vs. Diffuse: Localized fibrosis involves discrete bands or nodules, whereas diffuse fibrosis affects large areas of the muscle uniformly.
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Histologic Subtypes:
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Endomysial fibrosis (scarring around individual muscle fibers)
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Perimysial fibrosis (scarring around bundles of fibers)
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Mixed patterns with both endo- and perimysial involvement ScienceDirect.
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Causes
Common factors that can trigger fibrosis of the tongue’s transverse muscle include:
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Traumatic injury (e.g., bite wounds)
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Surgical scarring (e.g., after tumor excision)
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Radiation therapy to head and neck
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Chronic inflammation (e.g., lichen planus)
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Infection (e.g., fungal infections)
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Autoimmune diseases (e.g., scleroderma)
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Ischemia (reduced blood flow)
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Denervation (nerve injury)
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Disuse atrophy (immobilization)
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Aging (natural collagen accumulation)
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Metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes)
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Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin C)
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Hypothyroidism
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Drug-induced (e.g., bleomycin, methotrexate)
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Chemical exposure (e.g., harsh mouth rinses)
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Allergic reactions
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Muscular dystrophies
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Amyloidosis
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Thermal burns (hot foods/liquids)
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Radiation burns (accidental exposure) ScienceDirectPhysiology Journals.
Symptoms
Fibrosis leads to a variety of signs and complaints, including:
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Stiff tongue feeling
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Difficulty speaking (dysarthria)
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Slurred speech
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Reduced tongue range
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Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
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Pain or discomfort in the tongue
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Burning sensation
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Altered taste
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Excessive drooling
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Difficulty clearing food
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Speech fatigue
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Mouth sores from friction
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Unilateral or bilateral tongue deviation
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Choking episodes
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Coughing during meals
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Dry mouth (xerostomia)
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Oral hygiene issues
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Cracked tongue edges
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Mild bleeding when scraping the tongue
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Altered saliva flow Physiopedia.
Diagnostic Tests
A thorough evaluation may include:
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Clinical examination (palpation, mobility tests)
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Ultrasound of the tongue
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for soft-tissue detail Practical Neurology
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Computed tomography (CT) scan
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Electromyography (EMG)
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Nerve conduction studies
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Barium swallow study
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Videofluoroscopic swallow study
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Tongue manometry
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Fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
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Muscle biopsy with histology
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Collagen staining on biopsy
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Blood tests (inflammatory markers: ESR, CRP)
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Autoantibody panels (e.g., ANA, Scl-70)
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Creatine kinase (CK) levels
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Genetic testing (for congenital cases)
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Salivary flow measurement
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Taste testing
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X-ray of mandible (exclude bony causes)
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Ultrasound elastography (assess stiffness) Practical NeurologyScienceDirect.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
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Speech therapy with tongue exercises
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Myofunctional therapy
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Oral stretching routines
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Manual massage of tongue muscles
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Heat therapy (warm compresses)
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Cold therapy (ice packs)
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
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Low-level laser therapy
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Ultrasound therapy
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Acupuncture
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Dry needling
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Chiropractic adjustments
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Physical therapy focusing on neck posture
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Breathing exercises
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Biofeedback for muscle control
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Diet modification (soft or pureed food)
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Hydration protocols
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Nutritional counseling
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Anti-inflammatory diet
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Vitamin C supplementation
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Antioxidant-rich foods
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Yoga for relaxation
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Tai chi for gentle movement
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Mindfulness meditation
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (pain management)
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Support groups
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Oral appliances to reduce friction
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Nightguards (if bruxism involved)
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Tongue splints to maintain stretch
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Ultrasound-guided dry needling Practical NeurologyPhysiopedia.
Pharmacological Treatments
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Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen)
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Botulinum toxin injections
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Pentoxifylline (anti-fibrotic)
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Pirfenidone (anti-fibrotic)
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Colchicine (anti-fibrotic)
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Losartan (angiotensin receptor blocker with anti-fibrotic effects)
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Imatinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor)
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Halofuginone (experimental anti-fibrotic)
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Methotrexate (immune modulation)
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Azathioprine
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Mycophenolate mofetil
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Cyclophosphamide
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Dantrolene (muscle relaxant)
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Baclofen
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Diazepam
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Muscle relaxant combinations
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Vitamin E (antioxidant)
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Vitamin C
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N-acetylcysteine (antioxidant) ScienceDirect.
Surgical Treatments
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Scar band release under local anesthesia
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Frenotomy (if frenulum involved)
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Submucosal fibrotic band excision
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Partial glossectomy (removal of stiff segment)
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Laser surgical release of fibrotic tissue
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Microsurgical scar repair
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Free flap reconstruction (severe cases)
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Nerve grafting (when denervation present)
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Tongue suspension procedures
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Vestibuloplasty to improve floor-of-mouth space eyewiki.org.
Prevention Strategies
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Maintain good oral hygiene
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Promptly treat oral infections
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Limit tongue trauma (avoid sharp objects)
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Use protective mouthguards
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Manage chronic inflammation (e.g., lichen planus)
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Optimize nutrition (adequate vitamins)
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Control systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes)
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Avoid excessive radiation exposure
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Regular dental check-ups
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Daily tongue stretching exercises Physiopedia.
When to See a Doctor
Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
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Progressive difficulty moving your tongue
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Persistent pain or burning that limits eating or speaking
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Noticeable tongue stiffness interfering with speech/swallowing
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Ulcers or bleeding when the tongue rubs against teeth
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Choking or coughing during meals
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Unexplained weight loss related to eating difficulty Physiopedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What causes tongue transverse muscle fibrosis?
Fibrosis can result from injury, chronic inflammation, radiation, surgery, or systemic conditions like scleroderma. Genetic factors may cause congenital forms Physiopedia. -
How is it diagnosed?
A combination of clinical exam, imaging (MRI/ultrasound), EMG, and muscle biopsy confirms fibrosis and rules out other muscle diseases Practical Neurology. -
Can speech therapy help?
Yes. Regular exercises guided by a speech therapist improve flexibility and function, reducing stiffness over time Physiopedia. -
Are there medications to reverse fibrosis?
Currently, no drug fully reverses established fibrosis; anti-fibrotic agents like pirfenidone may slow progression ScienceDirect. -
Is surgery always required?
Surgery is reserved for severe, refractory cases where non-surgical treatments fail to restore adequate tongue mobility eyewiki.org. -
Can it recur after treatment?
Recurrence is possible if underlying causes (e.g., chronic inflammation) are not addressed Physiopedia. -
How long does recovery take post-treatment?
Non-surgical improvement may take weeks to months; surgical recovery varies from 2–6 weeks depending on procedure complexity eyewiki.org. -
Will it affect taste?
Fibrosis may alter taste by limiting tongue movements essential for food contact with taste buds Physiopedia. -
Does it cause pain?
Patients often report a burning or aching sensation, especially when stretching the tongue Physiopedia. -
Can children develop this condition?
Yes, congenital or acquired fibrosis can present in childhood, especially after surgery or radiation Physiopedia. -
Are there home remedies?
Gentle tongue stretches, warm saltwater rinses, and antioxidant-rich diets may offer mild relief Physiopedia. -
Does Botox help?
Botulinum toxin injections can reduce muscle tightness temporarily by blocking nerve signals ScienceDirect. -
Can it lead to other complications?
Severe fibrosis may cause malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, or speech disorders if untreated Physiopedia. -
Is it painful to biopsy the tongue?
With local anesthesia, discomfort is minimal; proper technique minimizes pain and bleeding Practical Neurology. -
How can I prevent scarring after tongue surgery?
Follow your surgeon’s exercises, maintain oral hygiene, and attend follow-up visits to monitor healing
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Last Updated: April 23, 2025.
