Tongue Structures and Functions

Terminal Sulcus

A V-shaped groove, with a posteriorly oriented apex, on the surface of the tongue, marking the separation between the anterior (oral or horizontal) an the posterior (pharyngeal or vertical) parts

Filiform Papillae

Acts as an abrasive coating, which helps give the tongue a cleaning and rasping action; this action is complimented by the antibacterial action of some of the components of saliva

Lingual Tonsils

Assists the immune system in the production of antibodies in response to invading pathogenic bacteria or viruses

Vallate Papillae

Involved in the sensations of taste and have taste buds embedded on their surfaces; they lie near the back of the palatine section of the tongue, and are arranged in a V-shaped formation, directed towards the throat

Epiglottis

Leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue, at the top of the larynx; seals off the windpipe during eating, so that food is not accidentally inhaled

Palatoglossal Arch

One of the pair of ridges or folds of mucus membrane passing from the soft palate to the side of the tongue; it encloses the palatoglossus muscle and it forms the anterior margin of the tonsillar fossa; also demarcates the oral cavity from the isthmus of fauces

Fungiform Papillae

One of the special types of bumps found on the surface of the tongue; contain taste buds (especially for bitter taste), temperature receptors, and have a good blood supply; scattered all over the top and sides of the tongue, mainly towards the tip

Glossopharyngeal Nerve

Receives general somatic sensory fibers from the tonsils, the pharynx, the middle ear, and the posterior one-third of the tongue for taste

Facial Nerve

The seventh cranial nerve; emerges from the brainstem between the pons and the medulla; controls the muscles of facial expression; functions in the conveyance of taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and oral cavity

Dorsum

The upper surface of the tongue, covered in taste buds housed in numerous papillae

Palatopharyngeal Arch

When these muscles contract, they pull the pharynx up and cover the botus of food; they almost meet, but the uvula fills up the small space between them; these actions prevent the bolus from moving along into the nasopharynx; it's purpose is to surround the palatopharyngeus muscle and be the fauces' posterior pillar

Palatine Tonsils

Yet to be discovered, however they are a part of the immune system, and are thought to assist in defending the body from respiratory infections