What is tounge?

The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth of most vertebrates that manipulates food for chewing and swallowing. It is the primary organ of taste, as the upper surface of the tongue is covered in taste buds.

• Anatomy: The tongue is comprised of several muscles and covered in a mucous membrane. It is divided into an anterior two-thirds (oral part) and a posterior one-third (pharyngeal part).

• Function: Its functions include taste, speech, swallowing, and cleansing the mouth.

• Taste Buds: These are sensory organs that allow us to experience different tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami). They are located on structures called papillae.

• Movement: The tongue's movement is controlled by intrinsic (within the tongue) and extrinsic (originating outside the tongue) muscles.

• Hygiene: Cleaning the tongue is essential for good oral health and can remove bacteria that cause bad breath.

• Conditions and Diseases: Various conditions can affect the tongue, including tongue tie, oral thrush, and oral cancer.