Facts about Anteater Tongue Structure

1. 06

   Muscular rather than skeletal in structure, anteater tongues are classified as hydrostats, similar in mechanics to an octopus tentacle or elephant trunk.

   Anteater Tongue StructureJun 8sharebiologyanatomyevolution
2. 05

   In giant anteaters, the tongue is round and worm-like in cross-section, tapering to a fine point that fits into narrow insect tunnels.

   Anteater Tongue StructureJun 6shareanatomybiologyadaptation
3. 04

   Anteater tongues lack any teeth-related function and are instead lubricated by salivary glands so large they extend down into the chest cavity.

   Anteater Tongue StructureJun 6shareanatomybiologyadaptation
4. 03

   Giant anteater tongues originate from the sternum rather than the base of the mouth, allowing them to extend remarkably far beyond the snout.

   Anteater Tongue StructureJun 6shareanatomybiologymammals
5. 02

   A giant anteater's tongue is coated with sticky saliva and tiny backward-facing spines that help trap ants and termites.

   Anteater Tongue StructureJun 6shareanatomybiologyadaptation
6. 01

   The giant anteater's tongue can flick in and out of its mouth up to 150 times per minute to capture insects.

   Anteater Tongue StructureJun 6sharebiologyanatomyfeeding