What is a tongue?
The
tongue is a muscular organ located in the mouth, essential for various
functions including taste, swallowing, and speech. It is covered by a moist
tissue known as the mucosa and is rich in blood vessels and nerves, enabling it
to perform intricate swift movements.
1. Apex:
The front most part of the tongue, responsible for tasting and manipulating
food.
2. Body:
The central portion of the tongue that aids in speech and swallowing.
3. Root:
The posterior part of the tongue, anchored to the floor of the mouth, involved
in swallowing.
4. Dorsum:
The upper surface of the tongue, covered with papillae and taste buds.
5. Ventral
surface: The underside of the tongue, smooth and connected to the floor of the
mouth.
6. Frenulum:
A band of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the
mouth.
7. Sulcus
Terminalis: A V-shaped groove that separates the anterior two-thirds from the
posterior one-third of the tongue.
8. Epiglottis:
A flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the trachea
during swallowing to prevent food from entering the airway.
9. Fungiform
Papillae: Mushroom-shaped projections primarily located on the tip and sides of
the tongue, containing taste buds that detect sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and
umami flavors.
- Filiform Papillae: Thread-like structures covering most of the tongue's surface; they provide texture and sensation but do not contain taste buds.
- Circumvallate Papillae: Large, dome-shaped structures located at the back of the tongue, surrounded by a trench; they contain numerous taste buds along their walls.
- Foliate Papillae: Located on the sides of the tongue, these papillae are involved in taste sensation and have parallel folds; they are more prominent in children than adults.
10. Palatine
Tonsils: Lymphoid tissues located on either side of the throat, commonly
referred to as "tonsils," involved in immune response.
- Lingual Tonsils: Lymphoid tissues located at the base of the tongue, playing a role in immune defense.
- Pharyngeal Tonsils (Adenoids): Located at the back of the nasal cavity; can obstruct breathing when enlarged, particularly in children.