The Average Length of the Human Tongue: What You Need to Know
The Average Length of the Human Tongue: What You Need to Know
A study conducted at the University of Edinburgh's dental school found that the average tongue length for adults is approximately 3.3 inches (8.5 cm) in men and 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) in women. This measurement is taken from the epiglottis, a flap of cartilage located just behind the tongue, extending to its tip. Read on to explore more about the tongue, its functions, composition, and some fascinating facts.
Understanding Tongue Functions
Your tongue performs three vital tasks that are essential for daily activities:
- Speech: It helps form various sounds and words.
- Swallowing: It propels food towards the throat.
- Breathing: It assists in keeping the airway open.
What is the Composition of the Human Tongue?
The human tongue is a remarkable organ composed of a complex arrangement of muscles, allowing it to change shape and perform diverse roles in eating, speaking, and breathing. Primarily, it consists of skeletal muscle covered by a mucous membrane.
Interestingly, the tongue is not just a single muscle; it is made up of eight different muscles that function in coordination. This unique setup, known as a muscular hydrostat, allows the tongue to operate independently of bones or joints, similar to how an elephant’s trunk or an octopus’s tentacle moves.
Types of Tongue Muscles
Two main types of muscles make up the tongue:
Intrinsic Muscles
These muscles are located entirely within the tongue and are responsible for fine motor control, adjusting both the shape and size of the tongue. The intrinsic muscles include:
- Longitudinalis inferior
- Longitudinalis superior
- Transversus linguae
- Verticalis linguae
Extrinsic Muscles
Originating from outside the tongue, these muscles insert into its connective tissues and assist in positioning food for optimal chewing and swallowing. The extrinsic muscles are as follows:
- Mylohyoid (raises the tongue)
- Hyoglossus (pulls the tongue down and back)
- Styloglossus (pulls the tongue up and back)
- Genioglossus (pulls the tongue forward)
The Record Holder: The Longest Tongue
As per Guinness World Records, the longest tongue ever documented belongs to Nick Stoeberl from California, measuring an astonishing 3.97 inches (10.1 cm) from the tip of the extended tongue to the midpoint of the upper lip.
Is the Tongue the Hardest-Working Muscle?
While the tongue is undeniably hardworking—it even continues to function during sleep by pushing saliva down the throat—its title as the hardest-working muscle belongs to the heart. The heart beats over 3 billion times in a lifetime, pumping at least 2,500 gallons of blood every day.
How Many Taste Buds Do We Have?
Humans are born with roughly 10,000 taste buds, but this number may decline as they age, particularly after the age of 50. Taste buds detect five basic flavors:
- Salty
- Sweet
- Sour
- Bitter
- Umami (savory)
Is Every Tongue Unique?
Your tongue print could be as distinctive as your fingerprint. Research from 2014 has shown that even identical twins have different tongue patterns. This uniqueness invites the possibility of using tongue prints for identity verification in the future, provided substantial research continues in this area.
Can Tongues Accumulate Fat?
Research from 2014 indicates that tongue fat may be positively correlated with obesity. Furthermore, studies have shown that increased fat volume in the tongue might be associated with the severity of obstructive sleep apnea.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Tongue
Every tongue is a marvel in its own right. The average length is about 3 inches, composed of multiple muscles, housing around 10,000 taste buds. Its importance in speech, swallowing, and breathing is paramount. Understanding and taking care of your tongue contributes to overall oral health and wellness.