Page 512 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

surface of the tongue is smooth. The slender, cone-shaped filiform papillae (2,

6) are the most numerous and cover the entire dorsal surface of the tongue. The
tips of the filiform papillae (2, 6) show keratinization.

Less numerous are the fungiform papillae (1) with a broad, round surface of
noncornified epithelium and a prominent core of lamina propria (5b).

The core of the tongue consists of crisscrossing bundles of skeletal muscle
(3, 7). As a result, the skeletal muscles of the tongue are typically seen in

longitudinal, transverse, or oblique planes of section. In the connective tissue (9)
around the muscle bundles are arteries (4a, 8a), veins (4b, 8b), and nerve
fibers (11).

In the lower half of the tongue and surrounded by skeletal muscle fibers (3,

7) is a section of the anterior lingual gland (10). This gland is of a mixed type
and contains both mucous acini (10b) and serous acini (10c), as well as mixed
acini. The interlobular ducts (10a) from the anterior lingual gland (10) pass
into the larger excretory duct of the lingual gland (12) that opens into the oral

cavity on the ventral surface of the tongue.

FIGURE 13.6 ■ Anterior region of the tongue: apex (longitudinal section).
Stain: hematoxylin and eosin. Low magnification.

FIGURE 13.7 | Tongue: Circumvallate Papilla

(Cross Section)

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