SEM study on the dorsal lingual surface of the flying squirrel, Petauristaleucogenys

The dorsal lingual surface of the flying squirrel was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Filiform (FI), fungiform (FU), foliate (FO) and vallate papillae (VA) were observed. The Fl were distributed over the entir e dorsal surface of the tongue. In the region of the VA, the Fl appeared as giant cones. The FU were present as rounded bodies scattered over the dors al surface of the tongue. They were relatively scarce and appear to be conc entrated around the edges of the tongue. The FO were observed on the poster olateral regions of the tongue. The flying squirrel showed the triangular a rrangement of the three VA, with the apex of the triangle directed posterio rly.