3. something inserted or to be inserted. 4. an extra leaf or section, as an advertisement, printed independently, for binding or tipping into a book or periodical. [1520â30; < Latin inserere to put in, insert =in- in-2 + serere to link together] inâ¢sertâ²aâ¢ble, adj.
Saliva is needed for the proper functioning of the tongue. A dry tongue can't taste a thing so saliva helps the tongue and our sense of taste by keeping it wet. Saliva moistens food and helps to break it down, which in turn makes it easier for the tongue to push the food to the back of the mouth for swallowing.
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 is anchored to the mouth by webs of tough tissue and mucosa. The tether holding down the front of the tongue is called the frenum. In the back of the mouth, the tongue is anchored into the hyoid bone. The tongue is vital for chewing and swallowing food, as well as for speech. The four common tastes are sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. A fifth taste, called umami, results from tasting glutamate (present in MSG).