Tongue papillae in goat: a scanning electron-microscopic study

The tongue papillae of 6-9-month-old Jamunapari goats were studied by scann ing electron-microscopy. The conical-shaped filiform papillae had 3-6 point ed projections and 6-8 secondary papillae at the free tip and the base of t he dorsal surface of the tongue, respectively. The convex surfaced fungifor m papillae were raised above the lingual mucosa. The vallate papilla was ch aracterized by a papillary groove and an annular pad. The large conical pap illa had a round base and a blunt tip without any projection. Two types of lenticular papillae could be distinguished. The irregular surface of all ty pes of papillae revealed microplicae in the form of microridges and micropi ts. The fungiform papilla was studded with microvilli. The taste pores were oriented on the dorso-lateral surface of the vallate papilla.