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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Tongue anatomy quiz: nose and oral cavity essentials

Quick, free nasal cavity quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Optimus PrimeUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of nasal cavity cross-sections and tongue on sky blue background for anatomy quiz.

This quiz helps you review tongue and nose anatomy across the nasal and oral cavities. Practice identifying key structures, airflow routes, and taste functions, then check related topics with our pharynx anatomy quiz and explore nerve pathways in the cranial nerves quiz. If you want to brush up on terminology first, try the nasal prefix quiz before you start.

Which bone forms the bridge of the nose?
Nasal bone
Maxilla
Frontal bone
Zygomatic bone
The paired nasal bones form the bridge of the nose. They articulate with the frontal bone superiorly and the maxillae laterally, providing structure and shape. These small bones are essential for the external contour of the nose. .
What is the name of the cartilage that makes up the tip of the nose?
Alar cartilage
Inferior nasal concha
Septal cartilage
Nasolacrimal cartilage
The alar cartilages (medial and lateral) form the flexible tip of the nose, known as the alae. Septal cartilage lies medially, forming the nasal septum. The alar cartilages determine the nostril shape and tip projection. .
Which type of papilla is most numerous on the dorsum of the tongue?
Foliate papillae
Filiform papillae
Fungiform papillae
Circumvallate papillae
Filiform papillae are slender, conical projections that cover most of the tongue's surface. They do not contain taste buds and provide a rough surface for mechanical food processing. Their high density makes them the most numerous papillae. .
The nasal cavity is primarily lined by which epithelium?
Simple cuboidal epithelium
Stratified squamous epithelium
Transitional epithelium
Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium
The respiratory region of the nasal cavity is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium with goblet cells. This epithelium traps particles and moves mucus toward the pharynx. It is critical for humidifying and filtering inhaled air. .
What are the external openings of the nasal cavity called?
Vestibules
Nares
Choanae
Meatuses
The nares (or nostrils) are the two external openings into the nasal cavity. Internally, the choanae are the posterior openings into the nasopharynx. Meatuses are passages between the turbinates. .
Which structure separates the left and right nasal cavities?
Inferior nasal concha
Nasal vestibule
Hard palate
Nasal septum
The nasal septum consists of both cartilage (anteriorly) and bone (posteriorly) and divides the nasal cavity into left and right sides. It allows separate airflow and supports nasal structures. .
Which taste modality is primarily mediated by sodium ion channels on the tongue?
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Bitter
Salty taste perception involves the entry of sodium ions through epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) on taste receptor cells. This ion influx depolarizes cells to trigger neurotransmitter release. Other tastes use different receptor mechanisms. .
Where are taste buds primarily located on the tongue?
On the frenulum
Between muscle fibers
In the submucosa
On papillae
Taste buds are embedded in the epithelium of fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae on the tongue. They contain taste receptor cells for detecting taste stimuli. The rough submucosa and frenulum lack taste buds. .
Olfactory receptors are located in which part of the nasal cavity?
Vestibule
Nasopharynx
Superior nasal concha
Inferior nasal concha
The olfactory epithelium, containing receptor neurons, is located on the roof of the nasal cavity along the superior nasal concha and septum. This specialized mucosa detects odorant molecules. Other regions handle respiratory airflow but not smell. .
Which cranial nerve transmits taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?
Facial nerve (via chorda tympani)
Vagus nerve
Glossopharyngeal nerve
Trigeminal nerve
The chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) carries taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. General sensation is by the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve. The glossopharyngeal handles the posterior third. .
The hard palate separates which two cavities?
Nasopharynx and oropharynx
Nasal cavity and sphenoidal sinus
Oral and nasal cavities
Oral cavity and nasopharynx
The hard palate, formed by the palatine processes of the maxilla and horizontal plates of the palatine bones, forms the floor of the nasal cavity and roof of the oral cavity. It allows separation of breathing and eating. .
What is the primary function of goblet cells in the nasal mucosa?
Secrete mucus
Regulate blood flow
Absorb odors
Produce antimicrobial enzymes
Goblet cells are unicellular glands interspersed in respiratory epithelium that secrete mucus. This mucus traps inhaled particles and pathogens, aiding mucociliary clearance. They do not directly absorb odor molecules. .
Fungiform papillae are most abundant in which region of the tongue?
Center of dorsum
Ventral surface
Posterior third
Tip and sides
Fungiform papillae are mushroom-shaped and distributed mainly on the tip and lateral margins of the tongue. They contain taste buds sensitive to various tastes, especially sweet and umami. Posterior third has circumvallate papillae. .
Which nerve carries taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue?
Vagus nerve
Glossopharyngeal nerve
Facial nerve
Hypoglossal nerve
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) innervates taste buds on the posterior third of the tongue. It also contributes to the gag reflex and monitors the carotid body/sinus. Anterior taste is by the facial nerve. .
The vomer bone contributes to which nasal structure?
Roof of the nasal cavity
Inferior part of the nasal septum
Lateral wall of the nasal cavity
Floor of the nasal cavity
The vomer is a thin, plow-shaped bone forming the inferior and posterior part of the nasal septum. It articulates with the sphenoid superiorly and the maxillae inferiorly. It does not form the lateral walls or roof. .
Which histological feature is unique to the olfactory epithelium?
Goblet cells
Bowman's glands
Striated muscle fibers
Keratinized stratification
Bowman's glands lie in the lamina propria beneath the olfactory epithelium and produce mucus to dissolve odorants. Goblet cells are absent in olfactory epithelium. The epithelium is non-keratinized and lacks muscle fibers. .
Kiesselbach's plexus is a common source of nosebleeds due to anastomoses between which arteries?
Anterior cerebral, middle cerebral, posterior cerebral, basilar
Sphenopalatine, anterior ethmoidal, superior labial, greater palatine
Maxillary, vertebral, external carotid, internal carotid
Inferior alveolar, facial, occipital, lingual
Kiesselbach's plexus in the anterior nasal septum receives branches from the sphenopalatine, anterior ethmoidal, superior labial, and greater palatine arteries. The rich plexus is prone to bleeding after minor trauma. .
Which statement about circumvallate papillae is correct?
They contain numerous taste buds and are arranged in a V-shape
They detect only sweet tastes
They are most numerous at the tongue tip
They lack von Ebner's glands
Circumvallate papillae are large, dome-shaped structures arranged in a V-shape near the posterior tongue, each surrounded by a trench and containing hundreds of taste buds. Von Ebner's glands secrete serous fluid to wash taste receptors. .
Which branch of the trigeminal nerve supplies general sensation to the nasal mucosa?
Ophthalmic nerve (V1)
Mandibular nerve (V3)
Maxillary nerve (V2)
Facial nerve (VII)
The maxillary division (V2) of the trigeminal nerve innervates the mucosa of the lateral nasal wall and part of the septum via its sphenopalatine branches. V1 supplies the anterior-superior area. V3 has no nasal branches. .
Which cartilage contributes to the lateral wall of the nasal cavity?
Vomer
Medial pterygoid cartilage
Upper lateral cartilage
Septal cartilage
The alar (lower lateral) and upper lateral cartilages support the lateral nasal wall. The septal cartilage forms the midline septum, and the vomer is a bone. The pterygoid does not contribute to the nasal wall. .
Which taste bud cell type forms synapses with afferent nerve fibers?
Type I cells
Type II cells
Type III cells
Basal cells
Type III (presynaptic) taste cells form conventional synapses with afferent gustatory nerve fibers and release neurotransmitters. Type II cells detect sweet, umami, and bitter tastes but lack direct synapses. .
What is the primary function of the nasal turbinates (conchae)?
Supporting the nasal septum
Draining cerebrospinal fluid
Anchoring the olfactory bulb
Increase mucosal surface area to warm and humidify air
The superior, middle, and inferior nasal conchae (turbinates) create turbulent airflow, maximizing contact with mucosa to warm, humidify, and filter inspired air. They do not drain CSF or support the septum directly. .
Which vascular structure in the nasal septum helps to warm inhaled air?
Kiesselbach's plexus
Carotid sinus
Venous plexus in the inferior turbinate
Pterygoid plexus
The venous plexus in the mucosa of the inferior turbinate engorges with blood to warm inhaled air. Kiesselbach's plexus is superficial and prone to bleeding but not primarily for heating. .
Which receptor and channel are critical for detecting acidic (sour) stimuli on the tongue?
PKD2L1 channel in Type III cells
ASIC channel in basal cells
TRPM5 channel in Type II cells
ENaC channel in Type I cells
Type III taste cells express PKD2L1 channels that detect hydrogen ions from acids, generating the sour taste. TRPM5 is involved in sweet, umami, and bitter transduction in Type II cells. ENaC mediates salty taste. .
In the olfactory pathway, where do olfactory receptor neurons synapse within the brain?
Olfactory bulb glomeruli
Hippocampus
Thalamus
Piriform cortex
Olfactory receptor neurons project axons through the cribriform plate to synapse in the glomeruli of the olfactory bulb. Mitral and tufted cells then carry signals to the piriform cortex and other regions. There is no thalamic relay prior to cortical processing. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Nasal Cavity Structures -

    Pinpoint key components of the nasal cavity, such as nostrils, septum, turbinates, and sinuses, and understand their spatial organization.

  2. Explain Nasal Functions -

    Outline how the nasal cavity filters, warms, and humidifies air, and recognize its role in olfaction to detect different odors.

  3. Label Tongue Papillae Types -

    Differentiate between filiform, fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae, and identify their locations on the tongue surface.

  4. Describe Gustatory Mechanisms -

    Explain how taste buds on the tongue detect the five basic tastes - sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami - and transmit signals to the brain.

  5. Analyze Nose-Tongue Interaction -

    Understand how orthonasal and retronasal pathways work together to create complex flavor perceptions during eating and smelling.

  6. Apply Anatomical Insights -

    Use your quiz knowledge to interpret everyday experiences, such as detecting flavor changes when a cold affects your sense of smell and taste.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Nasal Cavity Regions and Functions -

    The nasal cavity is divided into the vestibule, respiratory, and olfactory regions, each specialized for filtering, humidifying, or detecting odors according to Gray's Anatomy. A quick review of these zones will give you an edge in the nose anatomy quiz by helping you pinpoint where mucosal changes occur in conditions like rhinitis.

  2. Respiratory Epithelium & Mucociliary Clearance -

    The respiratory region is lined with pseudostratified ciliated epithelium and goblet cells that trap particulates in mucus while cilia sweep debris toward the pharynx (Guyton & Hall). Remember the mantra "mucus traps, cilia sweep" to ace questions on airway defense mechanisms.

  3. Olfactory Epithelium & Smell Transduction -

    Located in the roof of the nasal cavity, the olfactory epithelium contains receptor neurons, supporting cells, and basal cells (Journal of Neuroscience). Odorants bind G-protein - coupled receptors to raise cAMP and open ion channels - think ORS (Olfactory Receptors, Supporting cells, Stem cells) as your study mnemonic.

  4. Paranasal Sinuses (FEMS Mnemonic) -

    The frontal, ethmoid, maxillary, and sphenoid sinuses (FEMS) air-condition inhaled air and lighten skull weight (American Academy of Otolaryngology). Use "FEMS" to recall their sequence from anterior to posterior, which is crucial for sinusitis diagnosis questions.

  5. Tongue Papillae & Taste Bud Distribution -

    The tongue's surface has four papillae: filiform (no taste), fungiform (anterior, sweet/salty), circumvallate (posterior, bitter), and foliate (lateral, sour) per Gray's Anatomy. "Frogs Fight Giant Fish" helps you memorize their order and boosts your confidence for the tongue anatomy quiz.

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