The Tongue

a voluntary muscular structure

occupies the floor of the mouth

base attached to hyoid bone

a fold of mucous membrane under the tongue called the frenulum: it attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth

superior surface stratified squamous epithelium

there are little projections on the tongue with nerve endings; called papillae or taste buds

three types of papillae

1. Vallate papillae :

about 8-12

arranged in an inverted V shape towards the base of the tongue.

largest papillae and are easily seen

2. Fungiform papillae

at the tip and the edges of the tongue

3. Filiform papillae

smallest

on the surface of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue

Blood supply

Lingual branch of the external carotid artery.

Venous drainage by lingual vein internal jugular vein.

Nerve supply

Hypoglossal nerve (12th)

Lingual branch of the mandibular nerve

Facial nerve

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Functions of the tongue

Mastication (chewing)

Deglutition (swallowing)

Speech

Taste.