Prey capture kinematics of horned frogs (Anura: Ceratophryidae).

Horned frogs, members of the Ceratophryidae family, encompass a group of anurans varying in size and behavior, yet unified by morphological and behavioral traits enabling them to adopt a megalophagous diet (i.e., large prey feeding). Although the group has been the focus of numerous studies, our understanding of its feeding behavior remains limited. In this study, we characterize the feeding mechanism in five species representing the three extant genera of ceratophryid anurans, both in terrestrial and aquatic environments. We also explore the ability of Chacophrys pierottii to adjust feeding behavior based on prey type. Our findings show that all species are capable of wide mouth opening, displaying an asymmetric feeding cycle. While tongue usage is the primary method for capturing prey on land, ceratophryids may use their forelimbs to manipulate prey into their mouths, exhibiting different behavioral patterns. C. pierottii shows modulation of its feeding kinematics and is also capable of some modulation of its feeding in response to prey properties.

Comparative histological and ultrastructural features of the tongue of the mallard domestic duck, Anas platyrhynchos f. domestica, Anatidae (Linnaeus, 1758) in different two age stages (post-hatching [P2] and adult female) captured from Egypt.

The domestic duck is classified as a specialist filter-feeder bird living in the water. These birds also use grazing and pecking as terrestrial feeding methods. The tongues of domestic ducks, similar to those of other Anseriformes, exhibit numerous types and shapes of mechanical papillae that serve a number of purposes when collecting food. The current study attempts to describe the morphological characteristics of the tongue as well as the mechanical papillae's development. In addition, the study aims to determine whether the papillae observed post-hatching (P2) exhibit similar morphology to those found in adult female avian species, as well as to investigate the readiness of the tongue to fulfill its feeding function following hatching. The comprehensive examination of lingual mucosa is examined about the structural modifications necessary for this variety of feeding activities. In this study, the tongues of nine young (P2) and adult female were used. The tongue had three distinct parts: the apex, which had a lingual nail on its ventral surface; the body, which exhibits numerous small and large conical papillae on its lateral sides and a lingual prominence in the caudal region; and the root, which is covered with numerous conical papillae of varying sizes. Conical, filiform, and hair-like mechanical papillae, the three types of food filtration apparatus, are present in both stages. The intraoral transfer involves several structures, including the median groove, lingual combs, and the rostral border of the lingual prominence. The rostral border of the lingual prominence is characterized by distinct rows of conical papillae. The histological analysis demonstrated the presence of both keratinized and nonkeratinized epithelium on different tongue regions. The lingual salivary glands in the rostral and caudal lingual salivary glands exhibit a pronounced periodic acid-Schiff-positive reaction. Additionally, the yellow adipose tissue and sensory receptors, namely the Grandry and Herbst corpuscles, which collectively form the bill-tongue organ that monitors the movement of food. These results conclude the presence of microstructural species-specific alterations in specific tongue areas of domestic ducks' lingual mucosa. These modifications are formed by the filtering mechanism and terrestrial feeding mechanisms, such as grazing or pecking. Following hatching, the tongue of the domestic duck undergoes significant development, primarily in preparation for grazing activities. The anatomical and histological structure of the young (P2) tongue exhibited similarities to that of the adult female domestic duck while also displaying certain variations that could potentially be attributed to the bird's habitat and mode of feeding. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The results of this study concluded that the domestic duck exhibit a complex tongue structure characterized by the arrangement and morphology of its mechanical papillae, the presence of the lingual prominence with distinctive shape and the lingual comb. These features are believed to be adaptations that enable the duck to actively and efficiently filter food particles from water, serving as its primary feeding mechanism. Additionally, the tongue of domestic ducks is specifically adapted to facilitate various terrestrial activities, such as grazing and pecking. This adaptation is achieved through the presence of conical papillae and a lingual nail. These investigations facilitate our comprehension of both the anatomical and histological characteristics of the domestic duck tongue, as well as enhance our understanding of bird adaptations to various feeding mechanisms.

Histological and immunohistochemical studies of the fungiform and the circumvallate papillae through the life stages from 6- to 72-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats.

Taste sensitivity decreases with age. Therefore, we investigated the histological and immunohistochemical changes in the receptive fields circumvallate papilla (CvP) and fungiform papilla (FfP) to explore the mechanism underlying age-related changes in taste sensitivity in 6- to 72-week-old rats. We analyzed papilla size, the thickness of the keratin layer of the papilla and stratified squamous epithelium, taste bud size, the keratin layer around the taste pores in the CvP and FfP, and the number and distribution of taste buds in the CvP coronal section. We further assessed the expression of marker proteins for Type II and III cells, phospholipase C subtype beta 2 (PLCß2), and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25). The cellular activity of these taste cells was examined through co-localization with the senescence cell marker protein-30 (SMP30). There were no differences in the number of taste bud sections in the CvP among the age groups. However, the size of the CvP increased and the density of the taste bud area in the CvP area decreased with increasing age. In contrast, the number of cells with co-expression of SMP30, PLCß2, and SNAP-25 decreased with age. Furthermore, the morphological structures of the CvP, FfP, and taste buds in these regions changed with age, but not the overall taste bud number in the CvP coronal section. The decrease in cell count with co-expression of SMP30 and PLCß2, or SNAP-25 may indicate reduced cellular functions of taste cells with aging.

Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus Linnaeus, 1758) Tongue Morphology and Adaptive Herbivorous Implications.

Morphological study of the tongue is an interesting way of understanding evolutionary processes associated with feeding habits. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe the tongue morphology of the Antillean manatee and to understand possible morphological relationships with its way of capturing food. Macroscopic dissections and light and scanning electron microscopy analyses of seven manatee tongues were performed. The tongue in Antillean manatees is a muscular and robust organ, divided into apex, body, and root. It is firmly adhered to the floor of the oral cavity. Lingual papillae were distributed over the entire tongue surface. They were identified as filiform papillae concentrated in the apex. Fungiform papillae were present on the apex and lateral regions. Foliate papillae were located on the dorsolateral portion of the root. Lentiform papillae were located across the dorsal tongue surface. The mucosa was lined by a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium presenting compound tubuloacinar glands and taste buds in the foliate papillae. The tongue of the Antillean manatee is similar to other Sirenia species, both of which share a completely herbivorous diet.

Ligadura de la arteria lingual: estrategia para hemorragias por lesión de la arteria en la base de la lengua: informe de dos casos / Lingual Artery Ligation: Strategy for Bleeding from Artery Injury at the Base of the Tongue: Report of Two Cases

La hemorragia producida por lesión de la arteria lingual en la base de la lengua por cirugías o por tumores es infrecuente. La mayor frecuencia en la indicación de abordajes transorales para tratar diferentes patologías que afectan la orofaringe requiere que el equipo quirúrgico tenga experiencia en el manejo de esta complicación. La ligadura de la arteria lingual en el cuello es una técnica quirúrgica muy eficaz para solucionar la hemorragia, pero es importante conocer las posibles variantes anatómicas que puede tener la arteria en su trayecto cervical. Debido a su baja incidencia se propone como objetivo describir dos casos clínicos de pacientes que tuvieron hemorragias graves por lesión de la arteria lingual en la base de la lengua, producidas por daño quirúrgico y por erosión por tumor. [AU]

The bleeding caused by injury to the lingual artery at the base of the tongue due to surgery or tumors is infrequent. The increased frequency in the indication of transoral approaches to treat different pathologies affecting the oropharynx requires the surgical team to have experience in managing this complication. Ligation of the lingual artery in the neck is a very effective surgical technique to solve the bleeding; however, it is essential to be aware of the possible anatomical variants the artery may have in its cervical trajectory. Due to its low incidence, we propose to describe two clinical cases of patients who had severe bleeding due to a lesion of the lingual artery at the base of the tongue, produced by surgical damage and erosion due to a tumor. [AU]

Development of the Goose Tongue Filiform Papillae: Could it be Tooth-Like Sense Organs? / Desarrollo de las Papilas Filiformes de la Lengua de Ganso: ¿Podrían ser Órganos Sensoriales Parecidos a los Dientes?

SUMMARY: The geese's tongue filiform papillae are particularly long, and exhibit the same morphology of a tooth, evoking the lingual teeth of several fishes. In adult animals, they contain numerous mechanical Herbst's corpuscles but no taste buds. In the embryo, they appear since stage 38 and acquire their definitive shape between stages 38 and 42. They express several proteins associated with mammalian tooth development (BMP4, β-catenin, SHH, PITX2, PAX9), also known to be linked to parrot's pseudoteeth and goose's denticulations development. Neurofilaments are early present in the papillae primordia, and appear particularly numerous in adult papillae. Our results suggest that these papillae constitute a mechanical organ with a « tooth shape » derived from ancestral odontodes, whose development is controlled by numerous genes involved in classical odontogenesis.

Las papilas filiformes de la lengua de los gansos son particularmente largas y exhiben la morfología de un diente, evocando los dientes linguales presentes en varios peces. En los animales adultos, contienen numerosos corpúsculos de Herbst mecánicos, aunque una ausencia de papilas gustativas. En el embrión, aparecen a partir del estadio 38 y adquieren su forma definitiva entre los estadios 38 y 42. Expresan varias proteínas asociadas al desarrollo dentario de los mamíferos (BMP4, β-catenina, SHH, PITX2, PAX9), también conocidas por estar asociadas al desarrollo de pseudodientes en el loro y denticulaciones en el ganso. Los neurofilamentos están presentes tempranamente en los primordios de las papilas y aparecen particularmente numerosos en las papilas adultas. Nuestros resultados sugieren que estas papilas constituyen un órgano mecánico con «forma de diente» derivado de odontoides ancestrales, cuyo desarrollo está controlado por numerosos genes implicados en la odontogénesis clásica.

Long-Term Dysfunction of Taste Papillae in SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine whether ongoing taste disturbance in the postacute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 period is associated with persistent virus in primary taste tissue. METHODS: We performed fungiform papillae biopsies on 16 patients who reported taste disturbance lasting more than 6 weeks after molecularly determined severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Then, on multiple occasions, we rebiopsied 10 of those patients who still had taste complaints for at least 6 months postinfection. Fungiform papillae obtained from other patients before March 2020 served as negative controls. We performed hematoxylin and eosin staining to examine fungiform papillae morphology and immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization to look for evidence of persistent viral infection and immune response. RESULTS: In all patients, we found evidence of SARS-CoV-2, accompanying immune response and misshapen or absent taste buds with loss of intergemmal neurite fibers. Six patients reported normal taste perception by 6 months postinfection and were not further biopsied. In the remaining 10, the virus was eliminated in a seemingly random fashion from their fungiform papillae, but four patients still, by history, reported incomplete return to preinfection taste perception by the time we wrote this report. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show a temporal association in patients between functional taste, taste papillae morphology, and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and its associated immunological changes. (Funded by Intramural Research Program/National Institute on Aging/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health; ClinicalTrials.gov numbers NCT03366168 and NCT04565067.).

The relationship of tongue fat content and efficacy of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in Chinese patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the relationship between tongue fat content and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its effects on the efficacy of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) in the Chinese group. METHOD: Fifty-two participants concluded to this study were diagnosed as OSA by performing polysomnography (PSG) then they were divided into moderate group and severe group according to apnea hypopnea index (AHI). All of them were also collected a series of data including age, BMI, height, weight, neck circumference, abdominal circumference, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of upper airway and the score of Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) on the morning after they completed PSG. The relationship between tongue fat content and severity of OSA as well as the association between tongue fat content in pre-operation and surgical efficacy were analyzed.Participants underwent UPPP and followed up at 3rd month after surgery, and they were divided into two groups according to the surgical efficacy. RESULTS: There were 7 patients in the moderate OSA group and 45 patients in the severe OSA group. The tongue volume was significantly larger in the severe OSA group than that in the moderate OSA group. There was no difference in tongue fat volume and tongue fat rate between the two groups. There was no association among tongue fat content, AHI, obstructive apnea hypopnea index, obstructive apnea index and Epworth sleepiness scale (all P > 0.05), but tongue fat content was related to the lowest oxygen saturation (r=-0.335, P < 0.05). There was no significantly difference in pre-operative tongue fat content in two different surgical efficacy groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study didn't show an association between tongue fat content and the severity of OSA in the Chinese group, but it suggested a negative correlation between tongue fat content and the lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2). Tongue fat content didn't influence surgical efficacy of UPPP in Chinese OSA patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study didn't report on a clinical trial, it was retrospectively registered.

A morphological investigation of the tongue of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758).

The morphological structure of the tongue and papillae that occur on it vary according to an animal's lifestyle, nutrition, and adaptation to various environmental conditions. This study aimed to reveal in detail the morphological, histological, and electron microscopic structure of the tongue of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758). In this study, nine roe tongues were used. The tongue consists of three parts: the apex, body, and root. When the dorsal surface of the tongue was examined in detail, five different papillae were observed: filiform, lenticular, conical, fungiform, and vallate. Filiform papillae differed in having secondary papillae according to their localization. The opening holes of taste buds were observed on the surface of the round and flat fungiform papillae. The free ends of the filiform papillae were more pointed and thinner than those of the other papillae, while the width of the lenticular papillae was thicker, the surface was flat, and the free ends were blunt. Triangular-shaped conical papillae were observed differently regarding the presence or absence of secondary papillae. The vallate papillae were caudolateral to the lingual torus. On the surface of the vallate papillae, circumferenced by a deep groove, were the opening holes of the taste buds and microridges. From this analysis, it appears to be characteristic of roe deer that mechanical function, filiform, and conical papillae contain secondary papillae; lenticular papillae, absent in many deer species, are found; and a prominent papillary groove surrounds all mechanical and gustatory papillae. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The lingual papillae of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) were examined with this study in detail for the first time. Similarities and differences with ruminant species were determined.

Anatomical oropharyngeal cavity specialisations in the cutlassfish (Trichiurus lepturus, Linnaeus, 1758).

Trichiurus lepturus is a carnivorous fish, and most of the previous anatomical research has focused on computed tomography imaging and histology of their teeth and fangs, while the remaining structures of pharyngeal cavity remain unexplored. The present research is the first to use anatomical examinations alongside scanning electron microscopy to investigate the T. lepturus oral cavity. The oropharyngeal roof included teeth, upper lip, rostral and caudal velum and the palate. The middle of the palate showed a median groove flanked by two folds, followed by a median band flanked by micro-folds, thereafter the palate became crescent shaped. The lateral regions of the palate exhibited longitudinal folds that extended rostrally towards the fangs. The oropharyngeal floor had two cavities which acted as a scabbard for the premaxillary fangs and upper velum, while the caudal sublingual cavity contained two oyster-shaped structures on the outer surface plus sublingual ridges and sublingual clefts. The tongue apex exhibited a spoon-like shape, its body demonstrated a median elevation and the root with two lateral branches contained only dome-shaped papillae. Taste buds were located on the upper velum, lower lip and the caudal part of the interbranchial septum. Images and descriptions of T. lepturus tooth structure are also provided. The present research, using anatomical dissection and morphological observation using scanning electron microscopy, has identified the structures of the dentition system, a variety in shapes of the folds and microridges, and identified the taste buds and mucous pores in the T. lepturus oropharyngeal cavity.

Tales of the tongue.

Since first evolving 350 million years ago, the tongue has taken myriad forms, unlocking new niches and boosting the diversity of life.

Morphological examination and scanning electron microscopy of the barn owl's (Tyto alba) tongue.

The beak structure changes according to the feeding patterns of birds. Further, the morphological and histological structures of their tongues vary. Therefore, the current study aimed to perform macroanatomical and histological examinations and scanning electron microscopy of the barn owl's (Tylo alba) tongue. Two dead barn owls were brought to the anatomy laboratory and were used as study material. The tongue of the barn owl was long, triangular-shaped with a bifurcated tip. There were no papillae in the anterior 1/3 of the tongue, and the lingual papillae were shaped toward the back. The radix linguae were surrounded by a single row of conical papillae. Irregular thread-like papillae were found on both sides of the tongue. The salivary gland ducts were on the lateral margin of the corpus linguae and the dorsal surface of the radix linguae. The lingual glands were in the lamina propria near the stratified squamous epithelium layer of the tongue. The dorsal surface of the tongue comprised non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, and the ventral surface and caudal part of the tongue had keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. Hyaline cartilages were detected in the connective tissue immediately below the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium on the dorsal surface of the root of the tongue. The study results can contribute to the current knowledge on the anatomical structure of birds. Further, they can be useful in managing the barn owl when used as companion animals and in research activity.

Morphological tongue and palate characterizations in Trachemys adiutrix (Vanzolini, 1995) turtles.

Morphological studies on the oropharyngeal cavity of turtles are an interesting tool in understanding evolutionary processes associated with feeding habits. There is paucity of morphological information on the oropharyngeal cavity of the Trachemys adiutrix turtle. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the tongue and palate morphology of T. adiutrix to establish a standard model for the species, providing information that may improve knowledge on the species feeding habits. Gross dissection, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy assessments of 11 specimens were carried out. The tongue of T. adiutrix is triangular with a slightly rounded apex and broad base and lingual papillae widely distributed throughout the entire dorsal surface. The palate is composed of bony structures, displaying a triangular apex with one pair of choanae and palatine raphe that begin in the middle region, dividing the two openings. The body was elongated and smooth. The root was wrinkled and opened into the oesophagus. The tongue was lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, rich in mucous cells and a large number of different-shaped papillae and taste buds. The palate was mainly lined by a pseudostratified cylindrical ciliated epithelium rich in mucous cells. In conclusion, the tongue and palate characteristics of T. adiutrix include evidence that these animals are semiaquatic, displaying morphological characteristics associated with aquatic and terrestrial trophic ecology, similar to that observed in other semiaquatic and terrestrial chelonian species.

The red ruffed lemur, Varecia rubra (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812): a comparative morphology investigation of lingual papillae and connective tissue cores.

The morphology of the lingual papillae (filiform, foliate, fungiform, and vallate papillae) and the underlying connective tissue core of the red ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra) of a strepsirrhines species were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The filiform papillae distributed at the root of the tongue were larger than the structures distributed at the body and apex. Six to eight vallate papillae were arranged in a Y-shape at the border between the lingual body and the lingual root. Foliate papillae were observed at the posterior lateral border of the tongue. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a primary process and numerous auxiliary processes in the epithelial layer of filiform papillae. After epithelial removal, the connective tissue core of the filiform papilla showed several protrusions surrounding an oval-shaped depression that extended slightly posteriorly, and a large, maple-shaped filiform papilla was seen in the posterior portion of the tongue. The connective tissue cores of the fungiform papillae exhibited a longitudinally ridged cylindrical structure. The connective tissue core of the foliate papillae had numerous tubular projections arranged along a groove with a salivary gland conduit at the base. As a Lemuridae species, the appearance of the fungiform and filiform papillae of the red ruffed lemur is similar to that reported in previous studies of the ring-tailed lemur, with some differences, especially in the filiform papillary connective tissue core at the base and tongue body border. These findings suggest the taxonomic and phylogenetic origins of the lemurs as well as the influence of dietary diversity.

Morphological features of the Egyptian Ossimi sheep tongue: New scanning electron microscopic insights into its papillary system adaptations to Egyptian ecological conditions.

The current study aims to illustrate the gross and scanning electron microscopic characterizations and ultrastructural adaptation of the lingual papillary system of Egyptian Ossimi sheep to Egyptian ecological conditions. The tongue had three regions: the apex (with a slightly bifurcated tip), the body (subdivided into rostral and caudal parts) and the root (subdivided into rostral papillary and caudal non-papillary parts). Torus linguae had two parts: the triangular rostral part (the caudal part of the body) and the quadrilateral wide part (the rostral part of the root). The lingual papillary system had mechanical (filiform, conical and lentiform) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) types. Filiform papillae were heavily scattered on the dorsal surface of the apex, the rostral part of the body and the ventral surface of the papillary region of the tip. Filiform papillae had five subtypes (ventral and dorsal processed, triangular, leaf-like and triangular-processed papillae), while the conical papillae had three subtypes: two lingual (small, large) and one paralingual (elongated pointed), and the fungiform had two subtypes: the high-density ovoid (on the ventral surface of the tip) and round papillae (on the dorsal surface) that possessed a high number of taste pores, not previously described. They ranged from 5 to 10 for ovoid and 25 to 25 for round papillae. Each circumvallate papilla had an ovoid bulb (with 2-5 taste pores) encircled by an annular groove and two pads (i.e. not described previously). The papillary system's regional divergence was specialized for their harsh and semi-harsh diet.

Investigations on the light and scanning electron microscopic structure of the lingual papillae in the angora goat (Capra hircus): II. Mechanical papillae.

This study was conducted to examine the light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) structures of mechanical papillae on the tongue in the Angora goat (Capra hircus). As study materials, the tongues of four adult female Angora goats were used. The samples were collected from the dorsal surfaces of the apex, body, root and torus of the tongue and the ventral surfaces of the lingual apex for light and scanning electron microscopic examinations. Three types of mechanical papillae were seen in Angora goat tongue: papilla filiformes, papilla lentiformes and papilla conicae.The filiform papillae were detected in the dorsal surface of the tongue from lingual apex to lingual torus, and in the ventro-lateral of the lingual apex and on both sides of the lingual torus. The morphological differences were observed in filiform papillae according to their location in the tongue. The lenticular papillae settled on the centre of the lingual torus. Two types of these papillae, irregular-round and pyramid-shaped were identified. The conical papillae were scattered all over the lingual torus, except for the central part and were also seen on the root of the tongue. In the light microscopic examination, it was found that mechanical papillae had a stratified squamous epithelium and a varying degree of keratin layer on epithelial surfaces. In this study, by examining the light and scanning electron microscopic structure of the mechanical papillae in the Angora goat tongue, their similarities and differences with other domestic and wild ruminant species were determined.

Morphological structure of rat tongue using light and scanning electron microscopy.

The rat is one of the most commonly used animals in biological research and experimental investigations in medicine. The ultrafine structural components of the epithelium differ depending on the anatomy of the animal and the papilla type. Animal adaptation to food types and environmental circumstances may also be linked to morphological diversity. In the current study, seven male Wistar rat tongues were investigated. For scanning electron microscope (SEM), two rat tongues were immersed in a 10% formalin solution and the other two rat tongues were immersed in a 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution. The tongues of three rats were fixed for regular histological evaluation using triple staining. The three primary components of the Wistar rat tongue are the apex, body and root. The apex had a rounded and bifurcated shape. Filiform papillae and gustatory papillae were easily identified on the dorsal side of the tongue. There were three forms of gustatory papillae; fungiform papillae, vallate papillae and foliate papillae. The purpose of this study was to expose the tongue morphology of the Wistar rat species, which is widely used in investigations. Also, we wanted to show that formalin fixation can be utilized for morphological research in SEM. Finally, the Wistar rat tongue was thoroughly investigated and compared to those of other species.

Morphology of lingual papillae in the Javan mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy.

There are variations in the tongue papillae among species, including the size, number and type of papillae. There have been no studies describing the detailed tongue morphology of Javan mongoose (Herpestes javanicus). Therefore, we analysed the tongue and lingual structures of Javan mongoose (H. javanicus), using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The tongue was covered by papillae and rough in appearance. We divided the tongue into three regions: the apex, corpus and radix of the tongue. The medioventral section of the tongue was characterized by the presence of a frenulum. We identified four types of papillae: filiform, fungiform, conical and vallate papillae. There were two subtypes of filiform papillae: leaf-like and conical. Both were seen on the apex, although leaf-like filiform papillae also extended to the corpus. Fungiform papillae had taste buds on their dorsal surfaces and were observed from the apex to the radix. Vallate papillae, three in numbers only occurred on the radix. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining showed minor lingual glands on the textus muscularis striatus syncytialis of the corpus and lateral radix, which we identified as Weber glands; we also observed von Ebner glands on this layer of the tongue. These anatomical features of the Javan mongoose tongue are broadly similar to those seen in other carnivores, with some specific differences, such as the number of vallate papillae.

Morphometric analysis of the mandibular lingual foramina using cone-beam computed tomography in elderly Korean / Análisis morfométrico de los forámenes linguales mandibulares mediante tomografía computarizada de haz cónico en adultos mayores coreanos

SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to determine the morphologic characteristics of the lingual foramen and lateral lingual foramen using cone-beam CT in elderly Korean. Cone-beam CT images were obtained from 80 Korean older than 50 years (mean age, 65.2 years). The prevalence of the lingual and lateral lingual foramina at the lingual aspect of the mandible was determined. The diameter and height to the upper margin of the foramina from the mandibular inferior margin, and the bone height to the alveolar crest from the mandibular inferior margin were measured. In addition, the location of the lateral lingual foramen, the direction of its canal, and the presence of communication with the mandibular canal were evaluated. All of elderly Korean possessed at least one lingual foramen, with two or three foramina occurring in 77.5 % of Korean. A lateral lingual foramen was observed in 91.3 % of Korean, with the prevalence being highest at the second premolar in dentulous cases (21.6 %; 33/153). The very high frequencies of these foramina were attributable to high frequencies of relatively small-diameter inferior lingual foramen and lateral lingual foramen in the incisor region. The prevalence of a large-diameter (≥1 mm) superior lingual foramen was high, at 31.0 %. A large-diameter lateral lingual foramen in the premolar region occurred at a frequency of 17.0 %; communication with the mandibular canal was observed in 70.0 % of these cases. These quantitative data on the lingual and lateral lingual foramina of the mandible provide valuable information that could help to avoid surgical complications during implant placement in elderly Korean.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las características morfológicas del foramen lingual y del foramen lingual lateral mediante TC de haz cónico en adultos mayores coreanos. Se obtuvieron imágenes de TC de haz cónico de 80 coreanos mayores de 50 años (edad media, 65,2 años). Se determinó la prevalencia de los forámenes linguales y linguales laterales en la cara lingual de la mandíbula. Se midió el diámetro y la altura hasta el margen superior de los forámenes desde el margen inferior mandibular, y la altura ósea hasta la cresta alveolar desde el margen inferior mandibular. Además, se evaluó la ubicación del foramen lingual lateral, la dirección de su canal y la presencia de comunicación con el canal mandibular. Todos los adultos mayores coreanos tenían al menos un foramen lingual, con dos o tres forámenes en el 77,5 %. Se observó un foramen lingual lateral en el 91,3 %, siendo la prevalencia más alta en el segundo premolar en casos dentados (21,6 %; 33/ 153). Las mayores frecuencias de estos forámenes se atribuyeron a altas frecuencias de foramen lingual inferior y foramen lingual lateral de diámetro relativamente pequeño en la región de los incisivos. La prevalencia de un foramen lingual superior de gran diámetro (≥1 mm) fue alta, del 31,0 %. Un foramen lingual lateral de gran diámetro en la región premolar ocurrió con una frecuencia del 17,0 %; se observó comunicación con el canal mandibular en el 70,0 % de estos casos. Estos datos cuantitativos sobre los forámenes linguales y linguales laterales de la mandíbula proporcionan información valiosa que podría ayudar a evitar complicaciones quirúrgicas durante la colocación de implantes en adultos mayores coreanos.

Morphology of the tongue dorsal surface of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).

This study aimed to analyze the morphology of the tongue, which varies among fish species and has not been studied in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), using macro-anatomical, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As research materials, the tongues of eight adult turbot, which were used for consumption, were examined. The roughly triangular-shaped tongue of the turbot consisted of three parts: apex, body, and root. The thickness of the tongue continued to increase from the apex to the root. Although papillae were not observed in the macroscopic examination of the tongue, microscopic examination revealed the presence of cone-like shaped papillae on the submucosa. The tongue was composed of mucosa, submucosa, and hyaline cartilage. By SEM the presence of the taste buds (Types I and III), taste pores and papillae on the dorsal surface were demonstrated. Taste buds are the first descriptions in S. maximus. Therefore our results could add new data to the fish tongue anatomy. HIGHLIGHTS: Morphological and morphometric data of the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) tongue were obtained in this study and compared with other species. In addition, the dorsal surface of the turbot tongue was described for the first time using SEM.