Papillae Flashcards

Examine the four types of lingual papillae, their distribution, epithelial structure, taste buds, associated glands, and sensory innervation.

Card 1 of 28Question

What are lingual papillae?

Specialized projections of the mucosa on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the tongue.

In This Section

1. What are lingual papillae?

Specialized projections of the mucosa on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the tongue.

2. What are the four principal types of lingual papillae?

Filiform, fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae.

3. Which type of lingual papilla is the most numerous?

Filiform papillae.

4. Where are filiform papillae primarily located?

Across most of the dorsal surface of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

5. What is the characteristic shape of filiform papillae?

Slender, conical projections with pointed tips.

6. What type of epithelium covers filiform papillae?

Keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

7. What is the principal function of filiform papillae?

To provide friction and mechanical grip during food manipulation.

8. Which type of lingual papilla normally lacks taste buds?

Filiform papillae.

9. What is the characteristic shape of fungiform papillae?

Mushroom-shaped projections with broad, rounded upper surfaces.

10. Where are fungiform papillae most concentrated?

Near the tip and lateral margins of the anterior tongue.

11. Why do fungiform papillae often appear reddish?

Their relatively thin epithelial covering allows underlying connective tissue capillaries to show through.

12. Where are taste buds usually located on fungiform papillae?

Primarily on their upper surfaces.

13. Which lingual papillae are the largest?

Circumvallate papillae, also called vallate papillae.

14. Where are circumvallate papillae located?

In a V-shaped row immediately anterior to the sulcus terminalis.

15. How many circumvallate papillae are typically present?

Approximately 8 to 12, with normal anatomical variation.

16. What distinctive structure surrounds each circumvallate papilla?

A circular trench bordered by a raised mucosal wall.

17. Where are taste buds concentrated in circumvallate papillae?

Along the lateral epithelial walls facing the surrounding trenches.

18. What are von Ebner's glands?

Serous glands in the lingual connective tissue associated with circumvallate and foliate papillae.

19. What is the function of secretions from von Ebner's glands?

To flush material from papillary trenches and facilitate exposure to new tastants.

20. What is the characteristic arrangement of foliate papillae?

Parallel, leaf-like mucosal folds separated by grooves.

21. Where are foliate papillae located?

Along the posterolateral margins of the tongue.

22. How do foliate papillae typically change with age?

They are generally more prominent in children and may become less distinct in adults.

23. What are the principal cellular components of a taste bud?

Type I supporting cells, Type II receptor cells, Type III presynaptic cells, and basal progenitor cells.

24. What is a taste pore?

A small epithelial opening through which the apical microvilli of taste receptor cells contact dissolved tastants.

25. Which nerve carries taste sensation from most fungiform papillae?

The chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).

26. Which nerve carries taste sensation from the circumvallate papillae?

The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).

27. Which cranial nerve primarily carries taste sensation from foliate papillae?

The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX), with regional contributions from the facial nerve.

28. Which nerve provides general somatic sensation to the anterior lingual papillae?

The lingual nerve, a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3).