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The Tongue and Taste Buds

The Tongue and Taste Buds

The surface of the tongue is covered with various small bumps called papillae, which either distribute what has been ingested (filiform papillae) or contain the sensory taste (or gustatory) receptor cells (fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae). Embedded within each taste-related papilla are the taste buds—clusters of 30 to 100 gustatory receptor cells.

Tongue

Tongue

The human tongue is a fascinating and complex organ, responsible for various essential functions such as swallowing, speech, and taste. It is also subject to various conditions and diseases. In this article, we delve into the anatomy of the tongue, its roles, and some common conditions that can affect it.
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...

Assessment of the Mouth

Assessment of the Mouth

A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Technique to Collect Fungiform (Taste) Papillae from Human Tongue

Technique to Collect Fungiform (Taste) Papillae from Human Tongue

Published on: September 18, 2010

Hairy tongue: a case report.

K Yuca¹, O Calka, A F Kiroglu

¹Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey. koksalyuca@yahoo.com

Acta Oto-Rhino-Laryngologica Belgica

|February 1, 2005

Summary

Hairy tongue is a benign condition where the tongue papillae elongate, causing a furry appearance and color changes. It is linked to factors like smoking, poor hygiene, and certain medications.

Area of Science:

Oral Medicine
Dermatology
Pathology

Background:

Hairy tongue, or black hairy tongue, is a benign oral condition.
Characterized by hypertrophy of the filiform papillae on the tongue's dorsum.
Results in a furry appearance with color variations from yellow-white to black.

Observation:

The exact cause of hairy tongue remains unclear.
Associated with predisposing factors including heavy smoking.
Other triggers include poor oral hygiene, antibiotic use, corticosteroid therapy, and radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.

Findings:

A case study presented a 67-year-old male experiencing hairy tongue.
The condition is non-cancerous and primarily a cosmetic concern.

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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Technique to Collect Fungiform (Taste) Papillae from Human Tongue

Technique to Collect Fungiform (Taste) Papillae from Human Tongue

Published on: September 18, 2010

Objectification of Tongue Diagnosis in Traditional Medicine, Data Analysis, and Study Application

Objectification of Tongue Diagnosis in Traditional Medicine, Data Analysis, and Study Application

Published on: April 14, 2023

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Papillary elongation and discoloration are key diagnostic features.

Implications:

Understanding predisposing factors can aid in prevention and management.
Highlights the importance of oral hygiene and reviewing medication side effects.
Further research may elucidate the precise etiological mechanisms.