Tongue anatomy

         Papillae consisting of:

• Filiform papillae.

• Fungiform papillae.

• Vallate (circumvallate) papillae.

  • Can vary in size and number.

  • Six to sixteen in front of terminal sulcus.

  • Form a V or Y shape.

• Foliate papillae.

Foramen cecum

• Site of origin of thyroid gland in early years.

• Small depression located behind the apex of the V formed by vallate papilla.

• Lingual tonsil.

• Lingual veins.

• Anterior lingual salivary glands and ducts.

Ventral Tongue         Anterior lingual salivary glands

• Close to tip of tongue on inferior surface.

• Five to seven openings under tongue.

• Lingual frenulum may be broad, resulting in ankyloglossia.

• Ventral tongue is often the site of varicosities in older patients.

Lingual tonsils

• Lymphoid tissue at the floor of the tongue.

• Variable distribution extending to epiglottis or palatine tonsil.

• Commonly inflamed following periods of illness.

Palpation

• Primarily composed of muscle so it should be consistently firm.

• Extend tongue slightly and palpate lateral surface.

• Avoid gag reflex by coming underneath to palpate.