Great white sharks, apex predators of the ocean, command attention with their imposing size and formidable jaws. Curiosity often surrounds their unique anatomy, particularly their powerful mouths and what structures lie within, given their reputation for precise and devastating bites.
The Absence of a True Tongue
Great white sharks, along with most other shark species, do not possess a muscular, mobile tongue similar to those found in mammals. Instead, they have a cartilaginous structure known as the “basihyal cartilage” or “lingual cartilage” located on the floor of their mouths. This structure is typically small, thick, and largely immobile. Unlike a mammalian tongue, which plays roles in taste, food manipulation, and swallowing, the basihyal cartilage in most sharks serves primarily as a fixed support for the mouth’s floor.
While sharks do have taste buds, these are not located on the basihyal itself. Instead, taste receptors are distributed in the lining of their mouths and throats, helping them assess the chemical composition of potential prey. The basihyal’s immobility means it does not actively participate in moving food around the mouth or assisting in the swallowing process for the majority of shark species.
How Great Whites Process Prey
Without a mobile tongue, great white sharks rely on other specialized oral structures and powerful movements to capture and process prey. Their mouths are equipped with rows of large, triangular, serrated teeth, designed for gripping, tearing, and cutting through tough flesh. These teeth are not used for chewing; instead, they rip prey into manageable chunks that are then swallowed whole.
A notable adaptation is their jaw protrusion mechanism, which allows them to extend their upper jaw forward and downward from the skull. This unique mobility increases their gape and helps maximize bite force upon impact. Once prey is secured, great whites often shake their heads vigorously from side to side, using the serrated edges of their teeth to saw off large pieces of tissue. The flow of water and head movements primarily facilitate the positioning of food toward the esophagus, which provides a direct path to the stomach. This efficient process allows them to consume substantial meals that can sustain them for extended periods.