The tongue is a muscular organ located in the floor of the mouth. It is an active mass of voluntary muscle that is flexible and mobile. It has the remarkable ability to change its shape and size. It's covering is a thick specialized skin (epithelium). The tongue has many functions including aiding speech and controlling food manipulation during eating. Additionally, this muscular organ helps in swallowing and provides the sensation of taste.
The surface of the tongue is covered with little projections called papillae. The four types are circumvallate, filiform, foliate and fungiform papillae. Circumvallate papillae are large round elevated bumps that form a V-shape line at the back of the tongue. Each papillae contains taste buds.
Filiform papillae are long thin finger-like projections that face toward the back of the tongue. These form the majority of the papillae. They are most numerous in the area in front of the line of circumvallate papillae. The filiform rarely have any taste buds in them.
Another type of papillae are the fungiform. They appear as short rounded mushroom shapes scattered among the filiform papillae. They are mostly located away from the midline of the tongue. These papillae can become engorged giving the tongue a reddish appearance. The last type are called foliate. They are located near the sides of the tongue and appear as small ridges.
The sensation of taste is stimulated when a substance is dissolved and interacts with the taste buds. The five taste sensations are sweet, sour, salty, savory meaty and bitter. The taste sensation is enhanced by the sense of smell. The fungiform papillae have approximately 8 - 10 taste buds in their surface. These buds respond to sweet, sour and salty.
If you have any dental questions, please visit our office located on Raymond Drive at the corner of Ogden Avenue. The 3 story building is behind the Walgreens Drug store and has parking on all sides. Throughout our website, you will find an abundance of information about our practice, procedures we provide, and dentistry in general. Please explore and learn as much about dentistry and our services as you desire. We believe our patients should have as much information as possible in order to make important, informed decisions regarding their oral health and treatment options. Our patients are our most important asset, and we strive to develop long-lasting, trusting relationships with all of our patients. Your referrals are welcome and appreciated. We look forward to seeing you!
