What is the tongue?
Last updated
Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editor · Licensed under Citation License 1.0
The the tongue is called the tongue (lingua). Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a muscular organ made of two sets of muscles: intrinsic (which change its shape) and extrinsic (which move it in the mouth).
Summary
The the tongue is called the tongue (lingua). Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a muscular organ made of two sets of muscles: intrinsic (which change its shape) and extrinsic (which move it in the mouth).
What it is
- A muscular organ made of two sets of muscles: intrinsic (which change its shape) and extrinsic (which move it in the mouth).
- Covered by mucous membrane containing the taste buds.
- Essential for tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speech.
Where it is
- On the floor of the mouth.
- Anchored to the hyoid bone and mandible.
- Its posterior third extends into the throat (oropharynx).
Sources
According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):
Last verified:
Canonical: https://bestanatomyquestions.com/answers/what-is-the-tongue-muscle · Markdown twin