NextPrevious

Digestive System

Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

What is the tongue?

The tongue is composed mostly of striated muscle. It is divided into two major sections: the oral, or anterior body, part and the pharyngeal, or posterior, part. The oral part is covered with small projections called papillae. These papillae give the tongue its characteristic rough texture. There is also a series of taste buds on the tongue. The tongue aids mechanical digestion and is important for sensory input and speech production.