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==Overview==

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==Introduction==

The size and structure of the avian tongue varies between species. It is related to functional requirements.

The size and structure of the avian tongue varies between species. It is related to functional requirements.

[[Image:Avian Tongue and Oral Cavity.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Avian Tongue - Copyright RVC 2008]]

[[Image:Avian Tongue and Oral Cavity.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Avian Tongue - Copyright RVC 2008]]

 

==Structure and Function==

==Structure and Function==

The avian tongue is narrow, pointed and contains little intrinsic muscle. The '''enteroglossal bone''' is present consisting of bone and cartilage with medullary spaces containing red marrow. It is supported by the lingual process of the '''[[Hyoid Apparatus - Anatomy & Physiology|hyoid bone]]''' and rudimentary lingual muscles. It contains striated muscle fibres.

 

 

*Contains little intrinsic muscle

 

*The enteroglossal bone is present consisting of bone and cartilage with medullary spaces containing red marrow

 

*Supported by the lingual process of the [[Hyoid Apparatus - Anatomy & Physiology|hyoid bone]]

 

*Rudimentary lingual muscles

 

*Striated muslce fibres

==Histology==

==Histology==

*A few caudally directed horny papillae are present

A few caudally directed '''horny papillae''' are present on the avian tongue. There is a thick '''stratified squamous epithelium'''. The tongue is keratinised and has mucoid glands, although has no [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology#Taste Buds|taste buds]]. Lymphatic tissue is spread throughout the '''corium'''.

 

*Thick stratified squamous epithelium

 

 

*Mucoid glands

 

*No [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology#Taste Buds|taste buds]]

 

*Lymphatic tissue spread throughout the corium

 

==Species Differences==

==Species Differences==

*Parrots use their muscular tongue to lap water

'''Parrots''' use their muscular tongue to lap water and to produce human sounds (see [[Syrinx - Anatomy & Physiology#Species Differences|syrinx species differences]]).

 

*Parrots use their muscular tongue to produce human sounds (see [[Syrinx - Anatomy & Physiology#Species Differences|here]])

 

 

 

==Links==

==Links==

[[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology]]

'''Click here for [[Tongue - Anatomy & Physiology|tongue - Anatomy & Physiology]]'''.

[[Category:Alimentary System - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:Avian Alimentary System - Anatomy & Physiology]]

[[Category:A&P Done]]