Tongue Taste and Taste Buds Quiz (ODS Learning Outcomes)

Tongue Anatomy and Physiology

• The tongue's dorsum is divided into two parts: the anterior two-thirds (oral) and the posterior one-third (pharyngeal), separated by the sulcus terminalis (a triangular landmark) and foramen caecum.
• Four types of lingual papillae are found on the dorsum: filiform, fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate.

Tongue Muscles

• Extrinsic Muscles: These originate outside the tongue and insert into it.

  • Genioglossus: Originates from the mandible, inserts into the tongue, and protrudes the tongue. It can also depress the tongue and form a concavity.
  • Hyoglossus: Originates from the hyoid bone, inserts into the ventral tongue, and depresses and retracts the tongue.
  • Palatoglossus: Originates from the soft palate, inserts into the tongue, and elevates the tongue, closing the mouth from the pharynx (e.g., during swallowing).
  • Styloglossus: Originates from the styloid process, inserts into the inferior longitudinal muscle and hyoglossus, and elevates and retracts the tongue.

• Intrinsic Muscles: These are entirely contained within the tongue.

  • Superior Longitudinal Muscle: Originates from the posterior tongue, inserts into the apex and anterolateral margins, and shortens and elevates the tongue tip.
  • Inferior Longitudinal Muscle: Originates from the root and hyoid bone, inserts into the tongue apex, and shortens and depresses the tongue tip.
  • Vertical Muscle: Originates from the tongue root and genioglossus, inserts into the lingual aponeurosis, and flattens and broadens the tongue.
  • Transverse Muscle: Originates from the median lingual septum, inserts into the tongue sides, and narrows and lengthens the tongue.

Blood Supply and Innervation

• Blood Supply: The lingual artery (branch of the external carotid artery) supplies blood to the tongue. The lingual vein drains the tongue.
• Nerve Innervation: Detailed innervation information is not provided, but information on extrinsic muscle action is provided. (The text does not specify nerves related to intrinsic muscles)

Taste Sensation

• Taste buds are barrel-shaped organs within lingual papillae (fungiform, foliate, circumvallate).
• Each taste bud contains supporting and taste cells, and a taste pore.
• Dissolved food molecules at the taste pore stimulate taste cells, initiating signals to the sensory neurons, which transmit the information to the central nervous system for taste identification.
• Taste can be categorized as safety (nutrient-rich) and physiological (stimulates digestion and other senses).

Tongue Variations in Health and Disease

• Geographic Tongue: A benign condition caused by tongue inflammation, marked by smooth irregular red patches and white wavy lines that change position. No specific treatment, avoid acidic/spicy foods to reduce soreness.
• Glossitis: Inflammation causing swelling, redness, and texture changes. Causes can include anemia, celiac disease, trauma, or allergic reactions.
• Piercings: Can cause complications like infections or damage.
• Black Hairy Tongue: Overgrowth of cells creating elongated papillae, trapping food, bacteria, and yeast, leading to discoloration. Causes can include smoking, antibiotics, and radiotherapy. Treat by cleaning the surface with a toothbrush/scraper and lifestyle changes.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Detailed information about this type of tongue cancer is not present in the provided text.

Test your knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of the tongue, including its structure and muscle functions. This quiz covers different parts of the tongue and the four types of lingual papillae along with the extrinsic muscles involved in its movement.