Page 509 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

humans. These papillae are characterized by deep moats or furrows that encircle

them. Numerous excretory ducts from underlying serous (von Ebner) glands
located in the connective tissue of the tongue empty their serous secretions into
the base of these furrows. Numerous taste buds are located in the stratified
epithelium on the lateral sides of each papilla.

Foliate Papillae

Foliate papillae are well developed in some animals but are rudimentary or
poorly developed in humans.

Taste Buds

Located in the confines of the stratified epithelium of the foliate and fungiform
papillae, and on the lateral sides of the circumvallate papillae, are barrel-shaped
taste buds (Fig. 13.4). In addition to the tongue, taste buds are found in the

epithelium of the soft palate, pharynx, and epiglottis. The epithelial surface of
each taste bud contains an opening called the taste pore. Each taste bud occupies
the full thickness of the epithelium and contains three main cell types.

FIGURE 13.4 ■ A section of the tongue epithelium showing the taste bud and

its cells spanning the entire width of the stratified squamous epithelium.

Located within each taste bud are elongated gustatory (neuroepithelial or
taste) cells that extend from the base of the taste bud to the taste pore. The
apices of each taste cell exhibit numerous microvilli that protrude through the

taste pore. The bases of these taste cells form synapses with small afferent

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