Posterior tongue

Posterior Tongue

The posterior tongue is the back two-thirds of the tongue that extends down the throat, also known as the base of the tongue. Unlike the anterior tongue, which is the front one-third of the tongue, the posterior tongue is not usually visible without special instruments.

Anatomy

The posterior tongue is part of the oropharynx, which is the middle part of the pharynx (throat). It is located behind the oral cavity, extending from the uvula to the level of the hyoid bone. The base of the tongue is part of the oropharynx.

The posterior tongue is made up of lingual tonsils, which are rounded masses of lymphatic tissue. This makes it an important part of the body's immune system.

Functions

The posterior tongue plays a crucial role in several bodily functions. It aids in the process of swallowing by pushing food from the mouth into the esophagus. It also plays a role in the articulation of certain speech sounds, particularly those known as guttural sounds.

Health and Disease

Various health conditions can affect the posterior tongue. These include glossitis, an inflammation of the tongue; oral cancer, which can develop at the base of the tongue; and sleep apnea, a condition often associated with an enlarged base of the tongue.

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue's range of motion. With tongue-tie, an unusually short, thick or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth. A person who has tongue-tie might have difficulty sticking out his or her tongue.

See Also

• Anterior tongue
• Taste buds
• Oral cavity
• Oropharyngeal cancer