Ultramorphological studies on the lingual papillae of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in relation to its feeding habits

The distribution and structure of the lingual papillae on rabbit tongue were studied in relation to
its feeding habits by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. The tongue of rabbit is of
about 5 cm in length and 9 mm in width. The dorsal surface of the tongue is differentiated into
four regions according to the nature of papillae; apex, body, lingual torus (intermolar
prominence) and root. On the surface of the apex and body of the tongue there are four main
types of papillae: filiform, fungiform, vallate and foliate papillae. The filiform one can be
differentiated morphologically into five sub types of variable size and shape according to their
location. Fungiform papillae are numerous on the anterior part of the tongue. They are elliptical
or circular in shape and embedded in between filiform ones. In this region both filiform and
fungiform are devoid of taste buds indicating their mechanoreceptive function. Two oval vallate
papillae with numerous taste buds are situated on the side wall of the tongue root, elucidating
their chemoreceptive role. A Pair of patches having well developed foliate papillae is observed
in the latero-posterior part of the tongue. Each is oval in shape and has several parallel papillae
lacking taste buds and may separate by shallow grooves. Histological observation indicates
keratinization of the dorsal surface of the tongue with variable degrees.