The root of the tongue refers to the posterior one-third of the tongue, specifically the area behind the sulcus terminalis.
Understanding the Tongue Anatomy
To better understand where the root of the tongue is located, let's break down the tongue's anatomy:
- Body (Anterior Two-Thirds): This is the largest, most visible part of the tongue, extending from the sulcus terminalis to the frenulum.
- Root (Posterior One-Third): According to reference [5], the root, also known as the base, is the area posterior to the sulcus terminalis.
Key Anatomical Landmark: Sulcus Terminalis
The sulcus terminalis is a V-shaped groove on the surface of the tongue that separates the anterior two-thirds (body) from the posterior one-third (root) [5]. This landmark is crucial for distinguishing the root of the tongue.
