Anatomy of the Tongue

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the tongue?

Helping to move food around the mouth while chewing (correct)

Helping with digestion of food

Giving shape to the face

Creating different types of sounds and words

What role do taste buds play on the tongue?

Detecting different tastes of food (correct)

Aiding in digestion

Creating different flavors

Helping in speaking clearly

Why does having a blocked nose affect our sense of taste?

It increases the number of taste signals to the brain

It affects the development of taste buds

It prevents smell signals from reaching the brain (correct)

It enhances the flavor of food

Why should we avoid drinking hot liquids according to the text?

They cause blisters on the delicate tongue Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of incisors in the mouth?

Tearing food Signup and view all the answers

How many canines are usually found in the mouth?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of premolars?

Crushing food Signup and view all the answers

Where is the root of a tooth located?

Inside the gum Signup and view all the answers

What is enamel in a tooth?

Hard outer covering Signup and view all the answers

What does plaque cause if not removed from teeth?

Cavities and bad breath Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the front part of the tongue?

To help with speaking Signup and view all the answers

How do taste buds transmit taste signals to the brain?

Through tiny bumps on the tongue Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely consequence of not cleaning the tongue regularly?

Growth of bacteria on the tongue Signup and view all the answers

When do new-born babies start developing their first set of teeth?

After 6 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of canines in the mouth?

Tearing food Signup and view all the answers

Which teeth are also known as 'biting teeth'?

Incisors Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of premolars in the mouth?

Crushing food Signup and view all the answers

Where is the enamel found on a tooth?

Covering the crown Signup and view all the answers

Why should teeth be cleaned after eating?

To avoid tooth decay Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of molars in the mouth?

Grinding food Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tongue Functions and Taste

The primary function of the tongue is to aid in digestion and tasting food.
Taste buds, located on the tongue, detect different flavors and transmit taste signals to the brain through nerve connections.
A blocked nose diminishes the sense of smell, which is closely linked to taste; this leads to reduced flavor perception when eating.

Dental Anatomy and Teeth Functions

Incisors, found at the front of the mouth, are designed for cutting food and are typically four in number on the upper and lower jaws.
Canines, also known as cuspids, are usually four in total and serve to grasp and tear food.
Premolars, or bicuspids, (eight in total) aid in grinding and crushing food during chewing.
Molars, located at the back of the mouth, have a similar function to premolars, focusing on grinding food into smaller pieces for digestion.
Enamel, the hard outer layer of a tooth, protects the tooth from decay and damage.

Oral Health and Hygiene

The root of a tooth is embedded in the jawbone and supports the tooth structure.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that, if not removed, can cause cavities and gum disease.
The front part of the tongue plays a crucial role in manipulating food, aiding in chewing and swallowing.
Not cleaning the tongue regularly can lead to bad breath and a buildup of bacteria.
It is essential to clean teeth after eating to prevent plaque accumulation and maintain overall dental health.

Development and Care of Teeth

New-born babies start developing their first set of teeth, known as baby teeth or primary teeth, around six months of age.
Biting teeth, which include incisors, are effective in cutting and breaking down food before it is chewed by premolars and molars.

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Description

Explore the structure and functions of the tongue, a crucial muscular organ in the mouth involved in tasting, chewing, swallowing, and speech production. Learn about taste buds, tongue movements, and their role in the process of eating and speaking.