Anatomy A215 Virtual Microscopy
Tongue with Vallate Papilla
 
 

The tongue lies on the floor of the mouth. It is composed of interlacing bundles of skeletal muscle and is covered by stratified squamous epithelium. The surface of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue contains numerous small projections called papillae. There are three distinct types of papilla which vary in distribution over the dorsal surface of the tongue. While they are visible with the unaided eye, their structures can be seen clearly only with the microscope.
  • Filiform papillae: the most numerous
  • Fungiform papillae
  • Vallate (or circumvallate) papillae

This image of a vallate papillae demonstrates taste buds.

 

 

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