Tuberculum impar

Tuberculum impar is an anatomical structure that forms during the embryonic development of the tongue. It is the first indication of the development of the tongue in the human embryo.

Development

The tuberculum impar appears during the fourth week of embryonic development. It is formed from the first pharyngeal arch, which also gives rise to other structures in the head and neck. The tuberculum impar is located in the midline of the floor of the primitive pharynx.

As development progresses, two lateral lingual swellings appear on either side of the tuberculum impar. These swellings rapidly increase in size and soon overshadow the tuberculum impar, which remains as a small, median swelling. Eventually, the lateral lingual swellings merge to form the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, known as the oral part. The tuberculum impar is then incorporated into the formation of this part of the tongue.

Clinical significance

The tuberculum impar is of clinical significance as it can sometimes be seen in the midline of the tongue in newborns. This is usually a normal variant and does not require any treatment. However, if the tuberculum impar is unusually large or causing symptoms such as difficulty feeding, it may need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

See also

• Tongue
• Embryonic development
• Pharyngeal arch