Strange Features of the Human Tongue: Tentacle Tongue, Map Tongue, and Fissured Tongue

The tongue, one of the most important organs in the human body, can develop many unusual features that make many people feel worried. From small "tentacles", to the tongue surface looking like a constantly changing map or the appearance of deep cracks, these phenomena are usually harmless but can make us curious and learn more about the differences of the body.

The tongue tentacles are simply leftover tissue that the body did not fully absorb.

Some people may notice that their tongue has small tentacle-like tissues hanging from the underside. While they may look strange, these 'tentacles' are completely harmless. They are actually just longer folds of tissue called fimbriated folds (plica fimbriata). These folds are usually located near the veins under the tongue, which help drain saliva from the sublingual and submandibular glands into the mouth.

In most people, these folds are very small and barely noticeable. However, in some individuals, they can be more prominent or even protrude and reach up to 1 cm in length. This is not due to genetics or mutations, but simply because the body does not completely absorb these tissues during tongue development. Although they may look strange, these 'tentacles' do not pose any health risks, other than occasionally getting stuck between the teeth and causing mild discomfort.

Tentacle tongue is a condition in which the lingual papillae (small spines on the surface of the tongue) become overgrown, elongated, and look like small tentacles.

About 1 to 2.5% of the population has geographic tongue with red patches that can vary in size and location.

Another interesting feature of the tongue that some people experience is a condition called 'map tongue.' Approximately 1-2.5% of the population has this condition, in which the surface of the tongue appears as smooth red patches, often due to the loss of small bumps on the surface of the tongue. These red patches are surrounded by white borders, creating a continuously changing map-like appearance.

Although it may seem like an unusual condition, geographic tongue is actually a benign condition . People with it usually do not experience any significant symptoms, although a few may experience mild discomfort when eating spicy or acidic foods. Geographic tongue does not require treatment and does not cause any serious health problems.

Geographic tongue is a condition in which the surface of the tongue appears as alternating red and white patches that resemble a geographic map. Geographic tongue is usually benign and does not require any specific treatment. However, if the condition is bothersome, your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve symptoms.

"Fissured tongue" affects 5% of the population and is characterized by grooves and cracks on the surface of the tongue.

Among the unusual features of the tongue, 'fissured tongue' is the more common condition, affecting about 5% of the population. This condition is characterized by deep grooves and cracks appearing on the surface of the tongue, giving it a cracked or scaly appearance. These grooves can vary in depth and size, creating a characteristic fissure pattern with a large crack running down the center of the tongue, with smaller cracks branching out to the sides.

The cause of a fissured tongue is unknown, but it is often related to aging, chronic injury, or vitamin deficiency. While a fissured tongue is harmless, it can allow food particles to become trapped in the grooves, causing irritation or discomfort and pain.

Fissured tongue is a condition in which deep grooves appear on the surface of the tongue, dividing the tongue into many small pieces. Fissured tongue usually does not cause serious problems and does not require special treatment. However, patients should practice good oral hygiene to avoid food and bacteria from accumulating in the grooves.

The Importance of Tongue Care

Although conditions such as tongue tentacles, map tongue, or fissured tongue may look alarming, they are harmless and do not require medical treatment. However, maintaining good oral hygiene, including daily tongue cleaning, is important to prevent food particles from becoming trapped and causing irritation.

In case these conditions cause discomfort or there are any unusual changes, the patient should consult a doctor or dentist for timely advice and care.

The tongue, a small organ that plays an extremely important role in our lives, has undergone a long and complex evolutionary process. The development of the tongue not only helps us eat and drink, but also contributes to our ability to communicate and create the diversity of human languages.

Tongue abnormalities, from tentacles to map tongue to fissured tongue, are unique manifestations of the body. While they may seem strange or disconcerting, they are usually harmless. Understanding these conditions can help us feel more confident and take better care of our oral health.

The tongue originated from the branchial arches and associated muscles in early land vertebrates. Initially, it was simply a muscular pad that helped hold food in the mouth. Over the course of evolution, the tongue became more complex, with more muscles and nerves. This allowed animals to perform more sophisticated movements, such as licking, sucking, and chewing.

In humans, the development of the brain and central nervous system has enabled the tongue to become an important tool in the production of sound and language. Thanks to the harmonious coordination of the tongue, lips, jaw and palate, we can produce thousands of different sounds.