Ken Miyata

Comparative studies of the dorsal surface of the tongue in three mammalian species by scanning electron microscopy

Comparative features of the dorsal tongue epithelia in musk shrews, mongooses and rats were described. The shapes of the filiform papillae were different in each of the species. The distribution pattern of filiform papillae was similar both in the musk shrews and mongoose, in that the form of filiform papillae changed gradually from the lingual apex to the posterior part of the lingual body. By contrast, the different types of filiform papillae were distributed on definite areas of the dorsal lingual surface in the rat. Microridges on the interpapillar surface in the musk shrew and mongoose presented a clear outline, but those of the rat were not so distinct. In all species, the upper surface of filiform papillae did not show any distinct microridges.

Scanning-Electron-Microscopic Study of the Dorsal Lingual Surface of the Squirrel Monkey

The structure of the lingual papillae and the ultrastructure of the surface of the lingual dorsal epithelial cells of squirrel monkeys were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Filiform papillae were distributed over the entire dorsal surface of the tongue, except for the radix zone. Fungiform papillae were scattered among these filiform papillae. In the middle of the posterior end of the lingual body, a single vallate papilla was located. Higher magnification of the lingual dorsal epithelium revealed that prominent microridges and elevated intercellular borders occurred widely in the basofrontal area of the filiform papillae, interpapillar area and lingual radix zone. On the surface of the upper part of the filiform papillae, fine pits and hollows were observed. Indistinct microridges were distributed over the surface of the fungiform papillae.