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FOR PROFESSIONALS: The human tongue is a major player for breathing, swallowing, sucking, chewing and speech. Breastfeeding is the initial training for its subsequent tasks. The tongue as a muscular hydrostat creates different shapes. For this, simultaneously different muscle fibres need to contract, while others relax. The complex movements require excellent neuronal control. Known breastfeeding recommendations, like frequent breastfeeding in relaxed circumstances, prone position, avoiding artificial nipples and supporting nasal breathing during sleep are confirmed by tongue anatomy and function as well as by the learning process in neuronal feedback-loops. The paper describes these connections with many figures and explanations.
9 pages, Acta Pediatrica 2026, © Márta Guóth-Gumberger and Daniela Karall
Free download
FOR PROFESSIONALS: The human tongue is a major player for breathing, swallowing, sucking, chewing and speech. Breastfeeding is the initial training for its subsequent tasks. The tongue as a muscular hydrostat creates different shapes. For this, simultaneously different muscle fibres need to contract, while others relax. The complex movements require excellent neuronal control. Known breastfeeding recommendations, like frequent breastfeeding in relaxed circumstances, prone position, avoiding artificial nipples and supporting nasal breathing during sleep are confirmed by tongue anatomy and function as well as by the learning process in neuronal feedback-loops. The paper describes these connections with many figures and explanations.
9 pages, Acta Pediatrica 2026, © Márta Guóth-Gumberger and Daniela Karall
Free download