Which function of the tongue is NOT performed by it?

The correct answer is that the function of the tongue that is not performed by it is breathing. The tongue primarily plays significant roles in several essential activities, including speaking, tasting, and swallowing.

In speaking, the tongue helps articulate sounds and form words by manipulating airflow and pushing against the roof of the mouth, teeth, and lips. This movement is crucial for creating distinct phonetic sounds.

For taste, the tongue is covered with taste buds that detect different flavors, aiding in our perception of taste, which is one of the primary sensory functions associated with the tongue.

When it comes to swallowing, the tongue works to propel food towards the back of the mouth and into the throat, facilitating the swallowing process.

Breathing, however, is primarily a function of the respiratory system, involving the lungs and diaphragm. While the position of the tongue can impact airflow in the oral cavity, it does not actively participate in the breathing process itself.