Functions and structure of the language

The human tongue is a muscular organ located in the oral cavity. The structure of the language directly determines the properties and functions of this body. This body is of great importance, since it provides the ability to perceive and distinguish the taste, and he is responsible for speech.

The structure of human language

So, as already mentioned, the language is a large muscular organ. It consists of three parts:

• The root of the tongue is the part that is attached to the hyoid bone and lower jaw.
• The body is the most part of the organ.
• The tip is the most mobile part of the tongue, facing forward.

The root of the tongue is between the molars and is covered with the mucous membrane of the so-called palatine-tongue arch. Next comes the largest part of the body - his body. It lies between the branches of the lower jaw. The upper part of the tongue, which is facing the sky and pharynx, is called the backboard - it is divided by a deep sagittal groove. The lower part is only partially free, since it is attached to the muscles closer to the pharynx. The lateral surfaces of the organ converge on the bridle, which can be seen by lifting the tongue to the sky.

On top of the body is covered with a mucosa, which contains tongue papillae. It is interesting that in the posterior part of the tongue there is a cluster of lymphoid formations that form the so-called lingual tonsil.

The mucosa of the tongue, as well as the submucosal layer, contains a mass of small salivary glands that synthesize a predominantly mixed secret.

The structure of the language also explains the functions it performs.

• The tongue participates in the mechanical processing of food - it mixes food with saliva and takes part in the formation of the food breast.
• Language provides the beginning of the act of swallowing - as soon as the food breast gets to the root, it is no longer possible to stop the swallowing reflex.
• Due to the presence of mechanical and taste receptors, it is an organ of touch and taste.
• Language participates in the formation of articulate, human speech.
• Since its mucous membrane is characterized by high permeability, it makes it possible to quickly absorb some useful substances, including drugs.

Language: structure of sensitive papillae

On the entire surface of the groups are located sensitive papillae. It is customary to select the following types:

• Conical and filiform papillae are mechanical and tactile receptors.
• Mushroom-shaped and located at the edges of the tongue and near its apex. It contains taste buds.
• Tubular papillae are the largest formations that have taste buds. The number of them can vary from seven to twelve pieces. They are arranged in the form of a Roman numeral V.
• Leaf papillae are located mainly along the edges of the tongue and also act as taste buds.

From the taste buds, the nerve endings that are part of the taste analyzer go to the corresponding centers of the cerebral cortex.

The structure of the language and the perception of taste

Taste bulbs are placed not only on the surface of the tongue. They can also be seen on the back of the epiglottis and the nasal surface of the sky. Now you know the basic principles of the structure of the language, so it is worth considering how the taste is perceived.

It is customary to distinguish four basic tastes: salty, bitter, sweet and sour. Each of them is distinguished by a certain group of taste receptors.

The standard carrier of salty taste is sodium chloride, to which the papillae located on the edges of the tongue and in the front part react. But the sour taste is perceived by the lateral edges of the back of the organ. This taste depends on the pH of the substance.

Sweet taste is usually associated with the presence of sugar in the food, although a similar reaction develops on glycerin, and some proteins and amino acids. The so-called G-proteins are detectors. The taste receptors, responsive to the sweet, are located on the tip of the tongue. Bitter taste is perceived by the same G-proteins. The set of receptors is at the root of the tongue.