Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Technique to Collect Fungiform (Taste) Papillae from Human Tongue
09:39

Technique to Collect Fungiform (Taste) Papillae from Human Tongue

Published on: September 19, 2010

Angioarchitectural structure of the fungiform papillae on rabbit tongue anterodorsal surface

K Ojima1, T Takahashi, S Matsumoto

  • 1Department of Physiology, School of Dentistry at Tokyo, Nippon Dental University, Japan.

Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : Official Organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft
|August 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Rabbit tongue fungiform papillae (FuP) have unique flower-like microvascular structures. These structures, with 8-12 petals, enhance surface area for taste perception.

Area of Science:

  • Morphology and vascular anatomy
  • Sensory organ research
  • Comparative histology

Background:

  • Fungiform papillae (FuP) are key taste structures on the tongue.
  • Understanding their microvascular morphology is crucial for taste function.
  • Previous studies have not fully detailed FuP microvascular casting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine and compare the microvascular cast specimens (MVCS) of rabbit fungiform papillae (FuP).
  • To correlate functional and morphological characteristics with positional differences.
  • To classify FuP based on their microvascular structure.

Main Methods:

  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze MVCS of FuP.
  • Microvascular casts of FuP on the antero-dorsal surface of rabbit tongues were prepared.
  • Morphological characteristics, including petal number and shape, were documented.

Main Results:

  • FuPs are sporadically distributed among smaller filiform papillae (SfP) on the rabbit tongue.
  • FuPs exhibit flower-like configurations with 8-12 'petals' formed by capillary loops.
  • FuPs are larger and morphologically more complex than SfPs, with three distinct types identified based on petal number.

Conclusions:

  • The petal-like structures of FuP microvasculature increase surface area.
  • This increased surface area likely enhances the reception of taste stimuli.
  • SEM analysis of MVCS provides detailed insights into FuP morphology and function.

More Related Videos

Denver Papillae Protocol for Objective Analysis of Fungiform Papillae10:50

Denver Papillae Protocol for Objective Analysis of Fungiform Papillae

Published on: June 8, 2015

Whole-Mount Staining, Visualization, and Analysis of Fungiform, Circumvallate, and Palate Taste Buds07:40

Whole-Mount Staining, Visualization, and Analysis of Fungiform, Circumvallate, and Palate Taste Buds

Published on: February 11, 2021

Related Concept Videos

The Tongue and Taste Buds00:49

The Tongue and Taste Buds

The surface of the tongue is covered with various small bumps called papillae, which either distribute what has been ingested (filiform papillae) or contain the sensory taste (or gustatory) receptor cells (fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae). Embedded within each taste-related papilla are the taste buds—clusters of 30 to 100 gustatory receptor cells.
Gustation01:43

Gustation

Gustation is a chemical sense that, along with olfaction (smell), contributes to our perception of taste. It starts with the activation of receptors by chemical compounds (tastants) dissolved in the saliva. The saliva and filiform papillae on the tongue distribute the tastants and increase their exposure to the taste receptors.
Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure01:03

Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure

The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...
Taste Buds and Receptors01:20

Taste Buds and Receptors

Gustation, or the sense of taste, is intrinsically linked to the anatomical structures located on the tongue. This organ's surface, along with the entirety of the oral cavity, is adorned with stratified squamous epithelium. Evident on the tongue are elevated structures known as papillae (singular = papilla), which house the mechanisms for the transduction of gustatory stimuli. Four distinct types of papillae exist, each identified by their unique morphological attributes: the circumvallate,...
Oral Cavity01:11

Oral Cavity

The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Tongue01:01

Tongue

The human tongue is a fascinating and complex organ, responsible for various essential functions such as swallowing, speech, and taste. It is also subject to various conditions and diseases. In this article, we delve into the anatomy of the tongue, its roles, and some common conditions that can affect it.
Anatomical Position in the Oral Cavity
The tongue is located within the oral cavity, also known as the mouth. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold of mucous membrane called the...