Tongue
Tongue
Tongue (/tʌŋ/) 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 (the gustatory sense), 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.
Etymology
The word "tongue" derives from the Old English tunge, which comes from Proto-Germanic *tungōn.
Anatomy
The tongue is divided into two parts, the anterior and the posterior. The anterior tongue, the front two-thirds, is mostly located in the oral cavity. The posterior tongue, the back one-third, is located in the oropharynx. The surface of the tongue is covered in lingual papillae.
Anterior Tongue
The anterior tongue is the front two-thirds of the tongue. It is located in the oral cavity, just behind the teeth. It is the part of the tongue that is visible from the outside. The anterior tongue is responsible for the majority of the tongue's functions, including tasting, chewing, and swallowing food.
Posterior Tongue
The posterior tongue is the back one-third of the tongue. It is located in the oropharynx, the part of the throat that is behind the oral cavity. The posterior tongue plays a role in swallowing and speaking.
Functions
The tongue has many functions. It assists in the formation of the sounds of speech, and in various other oral functions, such as licking, and thermal regulation in dogs via panting.
Taste
The tongue is the primary organ of taste in the gustatory system. The upper surface of the tongue is covered in taste buds, which contain the taste receptors.
Speech
The tongue also serves as a natural means of cleaning one's teeth. It can also be used in various symbolic or ritualistic contexts, such as sticking one's tongue out at a person or licking something.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tongue
- Wikipedia's article - Tongue
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