Scanning electron microscopy study of the interface epithelium-connective tissue surface of the lingual mucosa in...

The characteristics of the interface epithelium-connective tissue of the lingual mucosa of Calomys callosus was studied by employing scanning electron microscopy after removal of the epithelial cells. In the anterior part, the connective tissue papillae of filiform papillae are distributed at random in their original configuration, and the round-shaped fungiform papillae are scattered among the filiform papillae. In the middle part, the filiform papillae present several rod-shaped projections. In the posterior part, the vallate papilla are oval in shape, and the connective tissue reveals a large ridge separated by deep lateral grooves. The posterior adjacent area is a flat surface and shows several openings of salivary gland ducts. The foliate papillae are formed by several small ridges separated by grooves. In the areas adjacent to the foliate papilla, small pointed and laminar papillae were observed.