What is the Tongue Made Of?
The tongue is primarily composed of muscles, specifically a complex arrangement of both intrinsic and extrinsic muscles. These muscles work together to allow for a wide range of movements, crucial for functions like speech, chewing, and swallowing. It's also covered by a mucous membrane, providing a moist, protective surface.
Beyond the muscle foundation, the tongue's structure includes several key components:
-
Papillae: Small nodules of tissue covering the upper surface of the tongue. These are not just for texture; they house the taste buds responsible for our sense of taste. Interestingly, a cat's papillae are specialized, appearing as tiny hooks made of keratin (similar to human fingernails), contributing to their sandpaper-like tongue texture.
-
Lingual Septum: A vertical section of fibrous tissue that separates the left and right sides of the tongue along much of its length, resulting in a noticeable groove.
-
Mucous Membrane: This protective layer covers the entire tongue, keeping it moist and aiding in lubrication during various functions.
In some instances, the term "tongue" can be applied metaphorically. For example, a specific species of fish uses a "hydrodynamic tongue" composed of water to facilitate feeding. This highlights that while muscles form the primary structure of a mammalian tongue, the functional definition can vary across species.
