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