The tongue is a muscular organ in the mouth. The tongue is covered with moist, pink tissue called mucosa. Tiny bumps called papillae give the tongue its rough texture. Thousands of taste buds cover the surfaces of the papillae. Taste buds are collections of nerve-like cells that connect to nerves running into the brain. The tongue rolls the food into balls or boli (singular: 'bolus') and pushes them to the back of the buccal (mouth) cavity for swallowing. The tongue is not considered as part of the respiratory system, mostly on account of it not assisting in breathing. It is part of the gastrointestinal (digestive) system. The tongue helps you to swallow, then peristaltic action propels food, now called a bolus, down the esophagus. Tasting and Processing the Food: Your tongue works along with our teeth, lips and mouth to taste, chew, and swallow food. Your teeth help your tongue grind food as the tongue mixes the food around your mouth. Without your teeth, lips, and the
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