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[The development of the filiform papillae in the human tongue]
Insights
Early development of filiform papillae in fetuses and premature infants shows varied structures. Scanning electron microscopy revealed developmental stages and atypical findings potentially linked to fetal hypoxia.
Area of Science:
- Oral histology
- Developmental biology
- Pathology
Context:
- Filiform papillae are the most numerous papillae on the human tongue.
- Their development in fetuses and premature infants is not well-documented.
- This study examines early-stage filiform papillae using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Purpose:
- To describe the morphology of filiform papillae in fetuses and premature infants.
- To observe the developmental stages of filiform papillae.
- To identify any atypical structures or potential pathological changes.
Summary:
- SEM analysis of filiform papillae from fetuses (4 months) and premature infants (22-36 weeks) revealed diverse developmental stages.
- Observed structures included tubercles, developing papillae, and atypical formations like spheroid papillae and 'hairs'.
- These varied morphologies suggest a dynamic developmental process, with some atypical findings possibly related to prenatal hypoxia.
Impact:
- Provides detailed morphological data on early filiform papilla development.
- Highlights the variability in papilla formation during fetal and neonatal periods.
- Offers insights into potential pathological alterations affecting tongue development in vulnerable infants.
Abstract:
Filiform papillae are described in a 4-month-old fetus, in premature children (22-36 weeks) and in children who died soon after birth. Under the scanning electron microscope papillae filiformes often displayed tubercles appearing either independently or arising near the base of the tongue from obliquely running ridges dividing afterwards into tubercles. Some SEM specimens showed further development of papillae from tubercles and cylindrical papillae into papillae quite similar to those found in a fully developed tongue. They were however significantly smaller. Filiform papillae are more varied in the stage of development than in the fully developed tongue, because developmental stages could be observed here. We could also see spheroid papillae with tiny processes on the top or large scales on the circumference besides the above mentioned formations. Even places with "hairs" resembling those of the hair-tongue were found. These atypical findings were most likely pathological changes resulting from hypoxia before death.