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What Is Tongue? Explain Its Parts
Introduction
The tongue is one of the most important organs in the human body. It is responsible for a variety of functions, including speech, taste, and swallowing. The tongue is a complex organ that is composed of several different parts, each with its own unique function. In this article, we will discuss what the tongue is, its functions, and its various parts in detail.
What is Tongue?
The tongue is a muscular organ located in the oral cavity of the human body. It is covered with mucous membrane and is responsible for a variety of functions, including speech, taste, and swallowing. The tongue is composed of several different parts, each with its own unique function.
Functions of The Tongue
Speech
One of the primary functions of the tongue is speech. The tongue is responsible for shaping the sounds that we make when we speak. It does this by moving around in the oral cavity and making contact with other parts of the mouth, such as the teeth, lips, and palate. The movements of the tongue are controlled by a complex system of muscles and nerves.
Taste
Another important function of the tongue is taste. The tongue is covered with tiny bumps called papillae, which contain taste buds. These taste buds are responsible for detecting different flavours, such as sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. The taste buds send signals to the brain, which interprets the flavours that we are experiencing.
Swallowing
The tongue also plays a crucial role in swallowing. When we swallow, the tongue moves food and liquids from the mouth into the throat, where they are then pushed down into the oesophagus and into the stomach. The movements of the tongue during swallowing are also controlled by a complex system of muscles and nerves.
Parts of The Tongue
The tongue is composed of several different parts, each with its own unique function. These parts include the following:
Apex
The apex, or tip, of the tongue is located at the front of the tongue. It is responsible for making contact with the teeth and lips when we make certain speech sounds, such as the "th" sound in the word "think."
Body
The body of the tongue is the largest and most visible part of the tongue. It is responsible for a variety of functions, including taste, speech, and swallowing.
Root
The root of the tongue is located at the back of the tongue, near the throat. It is responsible for making contact with the epiglottis, a flap of tissue that covers the trachea, or windpipe, during swallowing.
Dorsum
The dorsum of the tongue is the top surface of the tongue. It is covered with tiny bumps called papillae, which contain taste buds.
Ventrum
The ventrum of the tongue is the bottom surface of the tongue. It is responsible for making contact with the floor of the mouth during speech and swallowing.
Frenulum
The frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It helps to anchor the tongue in place and is important for speech and swallowing.
Lingual Tonsils
The lingual tonsils are small clusters of lymphatic tissue located on the back of the tongue. They help to protect the body against infections by producing immune cells.
Conclusion
The tongue is a complex organ that is responsible for a variety of functions, including speech, taste, and swallowing. It is composed of several different parts, each with its own unique function. Understanding the anatomy and function of the tongue is important for maintaining good oral health and for improving our ability to communicate effectively.
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