Page 515 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

Three different types of cells can be identified in the taste buds (5, 12). The

supporting, or sustentacular cells (3, 8), are elongated and exhibit a darker
cytoplasm and a slender, dark nucleus. The taste cells, or gustatory cells (7, 11),
exhibit a lighter cytoplasm and a more oval, lighter nucleus. The basal cells (13)
are located at the periphery of the taste bud (5, 12) near the basement membrane.
The basal cells (13) give rise to both the sustentacular cells (3, 8) and the

gustatory cells (7, 11).

Each taste bud (5, 12) exhibits a small opening onto the epithelial surface
called the taste pore (9). The apical surfaces of both the sustentacular cells (3, 8)
and the gustatory cells (7, 11) exhibit long microvilli (taste hairs) (4) that

extend into and protrude through the taste pore (9) into the furrow (14) around
the circumvallate papilla.

The underlying lamina propria (2) adjacent to the epithelium and the taste
buds (5, 12) consists of a loose connective tissue with numerous blood vessels
(6, 10) and nerve fibers.

FIGURE 13.9 ■ Tongue: taste buds. Stain: hematoxylin and eosin. High
magnification.

FUNCTIONAL CORRELATIONS 13.1 ■ Tongue

and Taste Buds

The main functions of the tongue during food processing are to perceive

514