Amazing Tongue: Taste, Talk & Cleaning

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In summary, taste buds on the tongue are small structures that contain taste receptors and allow us to taste different flavors. The tongue also plays a crucial role in speech production by working with other parts of the mouth to create sounds. The rough feeling on the tongue is caused by papillae and can also be due to dryness, dehydration, or irritation. The tongue cleans itself through autophagy, and poor oral hygiene can affect the taste buds by blocking the receptors and causing other oral health issues. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing the tongue, to keep the taste buds functioning properly.
  • #1
wolram
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It gives us taste, helps us to talk and helps keep our mouths clean.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongue

The only thing i could not find is, how strong is the tongue?
 
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  • #2
wolram said:
how strong is the tongue?

It must be pretty strong, because you can give people a tongue-lashing with it!
 
  • #3
shakespeare said:
Done to death by slanderous tongue Was the Hero that here lies
I couldn't have said it better myself. It's from Much Ado About Nothing.
 

FAQ: Amazing Tongue: Taste, Talk & Cleaning

What is the purpose of taste buds on the tongue?

Taste buds are small structures on the tongue that contain taste receptors. These receptors allow us to taste different flavors, including sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. The purpose of taste buds is to help us detect and differentiate between different types of food and beverages.

How does the tongue help us talk?

The tongue is an important muscle for speech production. It works together with the lips, teeth, and vocal cords to create different sounds and words. The tongue moves and touches different parts of the mouth to form specific sounds, which allows us to communicate with others through speech.

Why does the tongue feel rough sometimes?

The rough feeling on the tongue is caused by tiny bumps called papillae. These papillae contain taste buds and help to grip and manipulate food while eating. The sensation of roughness can also be caused by dryness, dehydration, or irritation of the tongue's surface.

How does the tongue clean itself?

The tongue cleans itself through a process called autophagy, which is the body's way of breaking down and recycling old cells. The tongue's surface is constantly shedding old cells, and the tongue's movement and saliva help to remove these dead cells and keep the tongue clean.

Can poor oral hygiene affect the taste buds on the tongue?

Yes, poor oral hygiene can affect the taste buds on the tongue. Bacteria and plaque buildup on the tongue's surface can block the taste receptors, making it difficult to taste different flavors. It can also lead to bad breath and other oral health issues, so it's important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing the tongue, to keep the taste buds functioning properly.

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