Foliate Papillae of Human Tongue – A Microscopic Study

Dr Vinubal S

Volume : VI, Issue : X, October - 2016

Foliate Papillae of Human Tongue – A Microscopic Study

Dr Vinubal S

Abstract :

Background:Foliate papillae are several leaf like papillae present on the lateral margin of the tongue at the junction of anterior two thirds and posterior one thirds. Aims:1)To note the distribution and age changes in foliate papillae and tastebuds. 2)To find whether lymphoid infiltration is seen in relation to foliate papilla in all cases. Materials and methods:The study was conducted in 42 specimens of tongue collected from Department of Forensic Medicine and Labour Room, Govt Medical College, Kozhikode.Tissue bits from the region of foliate papilla were fixed, processed, stained and analysed under light microscope. Results: Foliate papillae were identified in 76% of the specimens. Connective tissue papillae were observed only in few cases. No taste buds /lymphoid infiltrates were observed in fetal specimens. In the age group 1–80 years, 69% of the foliate papillae contained taste buds which were located on the sides of the papillae, in the adjacent epithelium or both. Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between the number of taste buds and age. Lymphoid infiltration was seen in association with the foliate papilla in 43% of specimens