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A frenulum that is attached near the bottom of the tongue, and is sometimes submucosal (not visible), but causes restriction is referred to as a "posterior tongue-tie". [ 7 ] Additionally, an abnormally short frenulum in infants can be a cause of breastfeeding problems, including sore and damaged nipples and inadequate feedings. [ 8 ]
The fimbriated fold of tongue, also plica fimbriata, is a slight fold of the mucous membrane on the underside of the tongue which runs laterally on either side of the frenulum. The free edge of the fimbriated fold occasionally exhibits a series of fringe-like processes. (Fimbria is Latin for fringe).
The tongue's upper surface (dorsum) is covered by taste buds housed in numerous lingual papillae. It is sensitive and kept moist by saliva and is richly supplied with nerves and blood vessels. The tongue also serves as a natural means of cleaning the teeth. [2] A major function of the tongue is to enable speech in humans and vocalization in ...
The floor is formed by the mylohyoid muscles and is occupied mainly by the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. A mucous membrane – the oral mucosa, lines the sides and under surface of the tongue to the gums, and lines the inner aspect of the jaw . It receives secretions from the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.
It then passes between the sublingual gland and the genioglossus and opens by a narrow opening on the summit of a small papilla (the "sublingual caruncle") at the side of the frenulum of the tongue. It lies superior to lingual and hypoglossal nerves .
Lingual papillae, particularly filiform papillae, are thought to increase the surface area of the tongue and to increase the area of contact and friction between the tongue and food. [2] This may increase the tongue's ability to manipulate a bolus of food, and also to position food between the teeth during mastication (chewing) and swallowing.
They are between 12 and 25 mm (0.47 and 0.98 in) in length, and approximately 8 mm (0.31 in) wide, and each opens by three or four ducts on the under surface of the tongue's apex. The anterior lingual glands are sometimes referred by eponymous names such as: Bauhin's glands: Named after Swiss anatomist Gaspard Bauhin (1560–1624).
Tongue strength may be tested by poking the tongue against the inside of their cheek, while an examiner feels or presses from the cheek. [6] The hypoglossal nerve carries lower motor neurons that synapse with upper motor neurons at the hypoglossal nucleus. Symptoms related to damage will depend on the position of damage in this pathway.