Anatomy and Physiology of the Tongue

Morphology of the Tongue: Structural Characteristics, Regions, and Surface Features

The tongue is a highly specialized muscular organ located in the oral cavity. It plays a critical role in speech, mastication, swallowing, and taste perception.

Structural Characteristics of the Tongue

The tongue is composed primarily of skeletal muscle and is covered by mucosa. It consists of intrinsic and extrinsic muscles that allow for precise movements.

• Intrinsic muscles: These muscles are responsible for altering the shape of the tongue.
• Extrinsic muscles: These muscles control the tongue's position within the oral cavity.

Regions of the Tongue

The tongue is divided into distinct anatomical regions:

• Apex: The tip of the tongue.
• Body: The central portion of the tongue.
• Root: The posterior segment attached to the floor of the mouth.

Surface Features of the Tongue

The dorsal surface of the tongue contains specialized structures known as papillae, which house taste buds:

• Filiform papillae: The most abundant type, responsible for tactile sensation.
• Fungiform papillae: Scattered across the tongue, containing taste buds.
• Foliate papillae: Located on the lateral borders, housing taste receptors.
• Vallate papillae: Large papillae forming a V-shaped arrangement at the posterior tongue.

Physiological Functions of the Tongue

The tongue is involved in multiple physiological processes:

• Taste sensation: Facilitates gustatory perception through specialized receptors.
• Mastication: Helps in manipulating and processing food.
• Speech articulation: Essential for phonation and communication.
• Swallowing: Aids in moving food towards the pharynx.