Correctly label the following anatomical features of the tongue – Correctly labeling the anatomical features of the tongue is essential for understanding its structure and function. The tongue is a complex organ with a variety of specialized regions, each with its own unique role in speech, taste, and swallowing. By understanding the anatomy of the tongue, we can better appreciate its importance in our everyday lives.

The tongue is divided into two main regions: the oral tongue and the pharyngeal tongue. The oral tongue is the anterior two-thirds of the tongue that lies within the oral cavity. The pharyngeal tongue is the posterior one-third of the tongue that lies within the pharynx.

The oral tongue is covered by a mucous membrane that contains numerous papillae, which are small, finger-like projections that contain taste buds.

Morphological Features of the Tongue: Correctly Label The Following Anatomical Features Of The Tongue

The tongue is a muscular organ located in the oral cavity. It is composed of distinct anatomical regions, including the:

• Tip:The pointed anterior portion of the tongue.
• Dorsum:The upper surface of the tongue.
• Lateral borders:The sides of the tongue.
• Base:The posterior portion of the tongue, which attaches to the floor of the mouth.
• Root:The fixed portion of the tongue, which is embedded in the floor of the mouth.

The tongue’s surface is covered in papillae, which are small projections that contain taste buds. There are four main types of papillae:

• Filiform papillae:The most numerous type of papillae, which are small and thread-like.
• Fungiform papillae:Larger, mushroom-shaped papillae that are located on the tip and lateral borders of the tongue.
• Circumvallate papillae:Large, circular papillae that are located at the base of the tongue.
• Foliate papillae:Leaf-shaped papillae that are located on the lateral borders of the tongue.

The frenulum is a thin fold of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It helps to limit the mobility of the tongue.

Sensory Innervation of the Tongue

The tongue is innervated by three cranial nerves:

• Facial nerve (CN VII):Provides taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
• Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX):Provides taste sensation to the posterior one-third of the tongue.
• Vagus nerve (CN X):Provides general sensation to the tongue.

Taste buds are located on the papillae of the tongue. Each taste bud contains taste cells that are sensitive to specific taste stimuli. The taste cells send signals to the cranial nerves, which then transmit the information to the brain.

The tongue is able to detect five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Umami is a savory taste that is often associated with meat and cheese.

Muscular Anatomy of the Tongue

The tongue is composed of both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. The intrinsic muscles are located within the tongue itself, while the extrinsic muscles are located outside of the tongue and attach to it.

The intrinsic muscles of the tongue are responsible for changing the shape and size of the tongue. The extrinsic muscles of the tongue are responsible for moving the tongue within the oral cavity.

The intrinsic muscles of the tongue include the:

• Superior longitudinal muscle:Shortens the tongue.
• Inferior longitudinal muscle:Lengthens the tongue.
• Transverse muscle:Narrows the tongue.
• Vertical muscle:Flattens the tongue.

The extrinsic muscles of the tongue include the:

• Genioglossus muscle:Protrudes the tongue.
• Hyoglossus muscle:Depresses the tongue.
• Styloglossus muscle:Retracts the tongue.
• Palatoglossus muscle:Elevates the back of the tongue.

The tongue plays an important role in speech and swallowing. It helps to form sounds by changing its shape and position. It also helps to move food around the mouth and to swallow it.

Blood Supply and Lymphatic Drainage of the Tongue

The tongue is supplied by the lingual artery, which is a branch of the external carotid artery. The lingual artery divides into two branches: the dorsal lingual artery and the deep lingual artery. The dorsal lingual artery supplies the dorsum of the tongue, while the deep lingual artery supplies the base of the tongue.

The tongue is drained by the lingual veins, which are tributaries of the internal jugular vein. The lymphatic drainage of the tongue is divided into two regions: the anterior two-thirds of the tongue is drained by the submandibular lymph nodes, while the posterior one-third of the tongue is drained by the deep cervical lymph nodes.

Understanding the blood supply and lymphatic drainage of the tongue is important for clinical purposes. For example, it is important to know that the lingual artery is located close to the surface of the tongue, which makes it vulnerable to injury.

It is also important to know that the lymphatic drainage of the tongue is divided into two regions, which can help to guide the treatment of tongue cancer.

Histological Structure of the Tongue

The tongue is covered by a mucous membrane. The mucous membrane is composed of three layers:

• Epithelium:The outermost layer of the mucous membrane, which is composed of stratified squamous epithelium.
• Lamina propria:The middle layer of the mucous membrane, which is composed of connective tissue.
• Submucosa:The innermost layer of the mucous membrane, which is composed of loose connective tissue.

The lamina propria contains the taste buds. The taste buds are composed of taste cells that are sensitive to specific taste stimuli. The taste cells send signals to the cranial nerves, which then transmit the information to the brain.

The submucosa contains the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels that supply the tongue. The submucosa also contains the muscles that move the tongue.

Clinical Examination of the Tongue

The normal tongue is pink and moist. It is covered by a thin layer of white or yellow fur. The tongue should be symmetrical and mobile. It should not be painful or tender.

There are a number of pathological conditions that can affect the tongue. These conditions include:

• Glossitis:Inflammation of the tongue.
• Geographic tongue:A condition in which the tongue has red, white, and yellow patches.
• Black hairy tongue:A condition in which the tongue is covered by a thick, black coating.
• Oral cancer:Cancer of the tongue.

The tongue can be examined by using a tongue depressor. The tongue depressor is placed on the middle of the tongue and the tongue is gently depressed. The examiner should look for any abnormalities in the size, shape, color, or texture of the tongue.

Tongue Piercings and Other Modifications

Tongue piercings are a common form of body modification. Tongue piercings can be performed in a variety of locations, including the tip, sides, and back of the tongue.

Tongue piercings can be associated with a number of risks and complications, including:

• Infection:Tongue piercings can become infected if they are not properly cleaned and cared for.
• Bleeding:Tongue piercings can bleed excessively if they are not performed by a qualified piercer.
• Nerve damage:Tongue piercings can damage the nerves in the tongue, which can lead to numbness or pain.
• Tooth damage:Tongue piercings can damage the teeth if they are not worn properly.

Other forms of tongue modifications include tongue splitting and frenulectomy. Tongue splitting is a procedure in which the tongue is surgically divided into two parts. Frenulectomy is a procedure in which the frenulum is surgically removed.

FAQ Guide

What are the different regions of the tongue?

The tongue is divided into two main regions: the oral tongue and the pharyngeal tongue.

What are papillae?

Papillae are small, finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue that contain taste buds.

What is the function of the tongue?

The tongue plays a vital role in speech, taste, and swallowing.