Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Technique to Collect Fungiform (Taste) Papillae from Human Tongue
Published on: September 19, 2010
Morphological comparison between neonatal and adult human tongues
1Dept of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Abstract:
There are currently no descriptions of neonatal tongue anatomy. Therefore, there have been no reports on the morphological differences between it and the adult tongue that would suggest its suitability for suckling. Serial coronal sections of a neonatal tongue were used to create a 3-dimensional model that was compared to that of the adult tongue. Compared to the adult human tongue, the neonatal tongue was found to contain 1) considerably less fat and soft tissue; 2) a thinner mucosa; 3) relatively enlarged extrinsic musculature; 4) a less-developed superior longitudinal muscle, resulting in a flat dorsal surface; and 5) attachments between the extrinsic muscles and the transverse muscle group that have not been identified in the adult tongue. The particular structure of the neonatal tongue suggests how the neonatal tongue is specialized for suckling.
Related Concept Videos
The Tongue and Taste Buds
Taste Buds and Receptors
Tongue
Anatomical Position in the Oral Cavity
The tongue is located within the oral cavity, also known as the mouth. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold of mucous membrane called the...
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin and...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Development of the Oral Microbiota

