Glossa

Glossa is the medical term for the tongue. It is a muscular organ in the mouth of most vertebrates that manipulates food for mastication and is used in the act of swallowing. It is also the primary organ of taste (gustation), as much of the upper surface of the tongue is covered in taste buds. It is sensitive and kept moist by saliva, and is richly supplied with nerves and blood vessels. The tongue also serves as a natural means of cleaning one's teeth. The ability to perceive different tastes is not localized in different parts of the tongue, as is widely believed. Rather, every part of the tongue has taste receptors, with each part being able to detect all types of tastes.

Anatomy of the Glossa

The tongue is divided into two main parts: the anterior, oral part at the front and the posterior, pharyngeal part at the back. The left and right sides are also separated along most of its length by a vertical section of fibrous tissue (the lingual septum) that results in a groove, the median sulcus on the tongue's surface.

There are two groups of muscles of the tongue. The four intrinsic muscles alter the shape of the tongue and are not attached to bone. The four paired extrinsic muscles change the position of the tongue and are anchored to bone.

Functions of the Glossa

The tongue has many functions. It assists in the formation of the sounds of speech and coordinates its movements to aid in swallowing. The upper surface contains taste buds that provide the sense of taste. Moreover, the surface of the tongue is kept moist by three pairs of salivary glands.

Diseases of the Glossa

There are many diseases and disorders that can affect the tongue including oral thrush, glossitis, geographic tongue, and tongue cancer. Many of these conditions can be identified through a visual examination of the tongue and can be diagnosed through a biopsy if necessary.

See Also

• Oral cavity
• Taste buds
• Salivary glands
• Glossitis
• Geographic tongue
• Tongue cancer

References

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