Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the tongue in relation to food?
What is the primary function of the tongue in relation to food?
What is the role of the tongue in the sensory function of taste?
What is the role of the tongue in the sensory function of taste?
What is the role of the tongue in the articulatory function of speech?
What is the role of the tongue in the articulatory function of speech?
What is the role of the tongue in the mechanical function of swallowing?
What is the role of the tongue in the mechanical function of swallowing?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of the tongue in maintaining oral hygiene?
What is the role of the tongue in maintaining oral hygiene?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the relationship between the tongue's functions?
What is the relationship between the tongue's functions?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Tongue Function
Mechanical Functions
- Food manipulation: The tongue helps to mix food with saliva, break down food into smaller pieces, and shape it into a bolus for swallowing.
- Swallowing: The tongue helps to propel food into the pharynx and initiate the swallowing reflex.
Sensory Functions
- Taste: The tongue contains taste buds that allow us to perceive different flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami).
- Touch: The tongue is sensitive to touch and pressure, helping us to perceive the texture and temperature of food.
Articulatory Functions
- Speech: The tongue plays a crucial role in speech, helping to form words and sounds by changing its position and shape.
- Phonation: The tongue helps to modulate the airflow and vocal cord vibrations to produce different sounds.
Other Functions
- Saliva distribution: The tongue helps to distribute saliva throughout the mouth, aiding in digestion and oral health.
- Mouth cleaning: The tongue helps to remove food particles and debris from the mouth, promoting oral hygiene.
Note: These functions are not mutually exclusive, and the tongue often performs multiple functions simultaneously.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Learn about the different functions of the tongue, including mechanical, sensory, articulatory, and other functions involved in eating, speaking, and maintaining oral health.
