Morphological Characterization of the Lingual Papillae of the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus): A Scanning Electron...

This study aimed to characterise the lingual structures of the Canis aureus using SEM analysis.

This study Tongues of three adult Canis aureus (n = 3) with a mean body weight of 9.77 ± 1.68 kg were examined. Tissue samples collected from various regions of the tongue were fixed using sequential concentrations of acetone, they were analysed using a Sigma 300 Zeiss Gemini FE-SEM.

The results identified four distinct types of papillae in Canis aureus: filiform, conical, fungiform and circumvallate papillae. Filiform papillae featured a triangular main body surrounded by multiple secondary processes, providing a mechanical surface for food prehension and grooming. Conical papillae were observed in two distinct forms at the base of the tongue with pointed or rounded tips facilitating the backward movement of food during swallowing. Fungiform papillae were distributed among the filiform papillae across the lingual surface (except at the base), while circumvallate papillae numbered four in total, each consisting of a rounded main body and a ring-shaped cushion separated by a groove; both types function in gustatory perception. Interestingly, leaf-like papillae, which are found in some other carnivorous species, were not identified in all samples in this study.

These SEM findings demonstrate that while the general papillary morphology of Canis aureus aligns with other Canidae species, it exhibits specific differences in the shape and quantity of conical papillae and is characterised by the absence of foliate papillae.