THE SUBLINGUA AND TONGUE OF TUPAIA (SCANDENTIA, MAMMALIA) - A SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPE STUDY

The surface morphology of the tongue and the sublingua in Tupaia belan geri was examined both under the dissection microscope and with the sc anning electron microscope. Shape and structural differentiation of th e sublingua and the anterior ventral part of the tongue are described. Special types of papillae were found on the lingual segment of the ke el, along the serrated edges of the sublingua, and at the apex linguae . The findings are discussed with respect to the special conformation of the oral cavity of Tupaia and in relation to the evolutionary and f unctional significance of the tongue and the sublingua in this species .