Tongue

Definition

The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth crucial for chewing, swallowing, and speech. It also houses taste buds that detect flavors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tongue's muscular structure allows it to manipulate food during mastication and swallow effectively.
2. It contains taste buds grouped into papillae, which are essential for the sense of taste.
3. The tongue plays a significant role in speech articulation by modifying sounds produced by the vocal cords.
4. Nutritional deficiencies can affect the appearance and function of the tongue, such as causing glossitis or atrophy of papillae.
5. Proper hydration is vital for maintaining the tongue's health and function.

Review Questions

• What role does the tongue play in the digestive process?
• How do nutritional deficiencies impact the tongue?
• Why is proper hydration important for maintaining tongue health?

Related terms

Salivary Glands: These glands produce saliva that aids in digestion and keeps the mouth moist.

Glossitis: Inflammation of the tongue often caused by nutritional deficiencies like vitamin B12 or iron deficiency.

Papillae: Small structures on the upper surface of the tongue that contain taste buds responsible for sensing different flavors.