Kristine Kaczmarek, age 8, of South Williamsport, Pa., for her question:

WHAT DOES OUR TONGUE DO?

Our tongue, that thick muscular organ in the mouth, is necessary for speech, helps in chewing and swallowing food and is also the location of taste buds.

Rough appearance of the tongue is caused by ridges  called papillae. It is here that we find the layers of cells called taste buds. They have tiny hairlike projections. The ones located near the tip of the tongue receive the sensation of sweetness, while bitterness is detected by the buds toward the rear. Sourness is reported by the buds at the side of the tongue while a salty taste sensation is received over the entire surface.

When the doctor asks you to stick out your tongue; he usually warts to get a better view of your throat, the area where the tongue is connected.