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dorsum of tongueclick to hear

dorsum of tongue body median lingual sulcus sulcus terminalis root epiglottis apex circumvallate papilla foramen cecum palatine tonsil lingual tonsil

body click to hear

Free mobile portion of the tongue composed mostly of mucous-covered muscles and bearing the taste buds.

median lingual sulcus click to hear

Depression extending over the entire length of the body of the tongue and separating it into two symmetrical halves.

sulcus terminalis click to hear

Inverted V-shaped depression separating the base of the body of the tongue, topped by the foramen cecum.

root click to hear

Part that fixes the tongue to the mandible and the hyoid bone of the skull; it is also joined on each side to the walls of the pharynx.

epiglottis click to hear

Movable cartilaginous plate ensuring that the larynx closes during ingestion of food so that food cannot enter the respiratory tract.

apex click to hear

Mobile terminal end of the tongue; it mostly perceives sweet flavors.

circumvallate papilla click to hear

Each of the large taste buds (about 10) forming a lingual V at the back of the body of the tongue ensuring the taste function; they mostly perceive bitter flavors.

foramen cecum click to hear

Small depression located at the base of the tongue, at the top of the sulcus terminalis.

palatine tonsil click to hear

Lymphoid structure (rich in white blood cells) located on each side of the base of the tongue; it protects the respiratory tract by fighting bacteria.

lingual tonsil click to hear

Lymphoid structure (rich in white blood cells) located at the base of the tongue; it assists in immune defense.