Tongspieren

Tongspieren, also known as intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue, are a complex group of muscles that control the shape and movement of the tongue. These muscles are crucial for a wide range of functions, including speech, swallowing, and taste.

The tongue is a muscular organ located in the floor of the mouth. It is composed of eight intrinsic muscles and four extrinsic muscles. The intrinsic muscles are responsible for changing the shape of the tongue, allowing for actions like curling, flattening, and elongating it. These muscles originate and insert within the tongue itself. The extrinsic muscles, on the other hand, connect the tongue to surrounding structures such as the hyoid bone and the mandible. Their primary role is to move the tongue as a whole unit, enabling it to protrude, retract, depress, and elevate.

The coordinated action of these muscles is essential for effective communication. They allow us to articulate a wide variety of sounds by precisely manipulating the tongue's position within the oral cavity. Similarly, during swallowing, the tongue plays a vital role in maneuvering food and liquids from the mouth to the pharynx. The sensation of taste is also influenced by tongue muscle movements, which help bring food particles into contact with taste buds. Damage or dysfunction of the tongue muscles can lead to difficulties with speech, swallowing, and even eating.