Structure of Tongue

The diagram of tongue structure shows the following parts:

Muscles

• Intrinsic Muscles: These muscles are entirely located within the tongue and are responsible for its shape and fine movements.
• Extrinsic Muscles: Located outside the tongue, these muscles control its position within the mouth and its gross movements such as protrusion, retraction, and side-to-side motion.

Mucous Membrane

• The surface of the tongue is covered by a mucous membrane, which consists of epithelial tissue that is moistened by saliva.
• This membrane provides protection to the underlying tissues and helps in lubrication, facilitating the movement of food during chewing and swallowing.

Papillae

• Papillae are small, nipple-like projections covering the surface of the tongue.
• There are four types of papillae:
  • Filiform Papillae: These are the most in number and are responsible for providing friction and texture to the surface of the tongue.
  • Fungiform Papillae: Scattered among the filiform papillae, these contain taste buds and are involved in taste perception.
  • Circumvallate Papillae: These are large papillae located at the back of the tongue, arranged in a V-shape. They contain several taste buds and are primarily involved in taste perception.
  • Foliate Papillae: Located on the sides of the tongue, these papillae contain taste buds and are involved in taste perception, especially during the early stages of life.

Taste Buds

• Taste buds are specialized sensory organs located within the papillae.
• Each taste bud contains taste receptor cells that detect different tastes such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
• These taste receptors transmit signals to the brain, allowing us to perceive the flavors of food.

Lingual Frenulum

• The lingual frenulum is a fold of mucous membrane that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
• It helps stabilize the tongue and limits its movements, preventing excessive protrusion or retraction.

Blood Supply

The tongue is highly vascularized and receives its blood supply from branches of the lingual artery, which is a branch of the external carotid artery.

Nerve Supply

• The tongue is innervated by several cranial nerves, including:
  • Hypoglossal Nerve (XII): Controls the motor functions of the tongue, including its movements and shape.
  • Chorda Tympani (branch of Facial Nerve, VII): Carries taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.
  • Glossopharyngeal Nerve (IX): Carries taste sensation from the posterior one-third of the tongue and provides general sensation to the tongue and throat.

Also Read: Overview of Nervous System

The diagram of tongue provides a visual representation of its morphology and functional regions. A diagram of tongue anatomy helps us recognize its importance in everyday activities. Also, the tongue diagram is an important educational tool for healthcare professionals, students, and anyone looking to improve their understanding of human physiology.

The labeled diagram of the Tongue is given below: