The tongue, larynx, and esophagus work in concert for speech, digestion, and airway protection. The tongue (oral/pharyngeal parts) connects to the epiglottis, which covers the larynx during swallowing to prevent aspiration, pushing food into the oesophagus. Key structures include the epiglottic valleculae, laryngeal ventricle, and vocal folds.
Medscape +2
- Structure: Composed of a root (posterior 1/3) and body (anterior 2/3), separated by the sulcus terminalis and foramen cecum.
- Muscles: Intrinsic muscles (longitudinal, transverse, vertical) alter shape; extrinsic muscles (genioglossus, hyoglossus, styloglossus, palatoglossus) alter position.
- Surface Features: Filiform (touch), fungiform (taste), and foliate papillae; the posterior root contains the lingual tonsil.
Anchors: The tongue is anchored to the hyoid bone, mandible, and epiglottis.
Lumen Learning +4
- Position: Located in the anterior neck, superior to the trachea and posterior to the root of the tongue.
- Epiglottis: Elastic cartilage that acts as a lid, closing the laryngeal inlet during swallowing.
- Valleculae: Pockets between the tongue base and epiglottis that trap saliva.
Vocal Apparatus: Aryepiglottic folds and vocal folds (vocal cords) protect the airway and produce sound.
Lumen Learning +3
- Structure: A 25 cm muscular tube starting at the lower border of the pharynx (cricoid cartilage).
- Location: Runs posterior to the trachea through the mediastinum.
Function: Propels food to the stomach via peristalsis, controlled by the upper and lower esophageal sphincters.
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Functional Relationship in Swallowing
- Oral Stage: Tongue pushes the food bolus against the palate.
- Pharyngeal Stage: Tongue base moves back, larynx elevates, and the epiglottis folds down to seal the airway.
- Esophageal Stage: The upper esophageal sphincter opens, and the bolus enters the esophagus