Resumo

MARTINEZ, Marcelo et al. SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF THE TONGUE OF CHINCHILA (Chinchilla laniger). Rev. chil. anat. [online]. 2000, vol.18, n.1, pp. 53-59. ISSN 0716-9868.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0716-98682000000100007.

The three-dimensional structure of the lingual papillae and the connective tissues of the tongue of chinchila were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The NaOH cell maceration method were used to remove the epithelial layer to visualize the connective tissue architecture. The dorsum of the tongue is covered by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and possessed four types of papillae: filiform, fungiform, foliate and vallate. SEM images demonstrated the epithelial cell surfaces with microridges, distinct intercellular borders and taste pores. The connective tissue core of filiform papillae of the anterior and intermediate part of the tongue consisted of two or three rod-like protrusions while on the posterior part demonstrated large base with several apical protrusions. The lamina propria of the fungiform papillae were columnar and vallate papillae presented a central groove surrounded by numerous connective tissue papillae; the foliate papillae demonstrated elliptical holes surrounded by small connective tissue papillae

Palavras-chave : Epithelium; Connective Tissue; Tongue; Chinchila; SEM.