MHS 264 Tongue

Tongue

This specimen is from the region of the tongue where circumvallate papillae are found (anterior to the sulcus terminalis in the back of the tongue).

• Stratified Squamous Non-Keratinized Epithelium
• Filiform papillae - lightly keratinized, pointed projections that cover most of the tongue. These papillae are mechanical and do not contain taste buds.
• Circumvallate Papillae - eight to twelve dome-shaped structures in a V-shaped row in front of sulcus terminalis. The largest and least numerous papillae found on the tongue.
  • Furrow - each papillae is surrounded by a moat (or sulcus) that receives saliva from minor salivary glands.
  • Taste Buds - elliptical structures found in the epithelium lining the moats and contain cells with taste receptors. The circular opening at its apex is the taste pore.
• Skeletal Muscle- arranged in three bundles at right angles to each other to allow flexibility and precision in movements of the tongue.
• Minor Salivary Glands - found throughout the tongue.
  • Serous Salivary Glands - secrete a fluid that contains digestive enzymes.
  • Mucous Salivary Glands - secrete a fluid that contains mucus (glycoproteins known as mucins).