circumvallate papillae
| Circumvallate papillae | |
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| Circumvallate papilla in vertical section, showing arrangement of the taste-buds and nerves. | |
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| Tongue | |
| Latin | papillae vallatae, circumvallate papillae |
| Gray's | subject #242 1126 |
| Dorlands/Elsevier | p_03/12610570 |
The circumvallate papillae (or vallate papillae) are of large size (dome-shaped structures), and vary from eight to twelve in number.
They are situated on the dorsum of the tongue immediately in front of the foramen cecum and sulcus terminalis, forming a row on either side; the two rows run backward and medially, and meet in the midline, like the limbs of the letter V inverted.
Each papilla consists of a projection of mucous membrane from 1 to 2 mm. wide, attached to the bottom of a circular depression of the mucous membrane (some text referred to as moats); the margin of the depression is elevated to form a wall (vallum), and between this and the papilla is a circular sulcus termed the fossa.
The papilla is shaped like a truncated cone, the smaller end being directed downward and attached to the tongue, the broader part or base projecting a little above the surface of the tongue and being studded with numerous small secondary papillæ and covered by stratified squamous epithelium.
Ducts of lingual salivary glands, referred to as Von Ebner's glands empty serous secretion into the base of the circular depression (moats). The function of the secretion is presumed to flush materials from the base of circular depression to ensure that taste buds can respond to changing stimuli rapidly. (Michael H. Ross, Histology: A text and alas 5th edition)
Additional images
 Microscopic shot of human circumvallate papillae. |
 The mouth cavity. The cheeks have been slit transversely and the tongue pulled forward. |
External links
- Overview and diagram at ohio-state.edu
- vallate+papilla at eMedicine Dictionary
This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of
Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated. Please
edit the article if this is the case, and feel free to remove this notice when it is no longer relevant.
| Sensory system: Gustatory system |
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| Tongue • Taste bud (Circumvallate papillae, Filiform papilla, Fungiform papilla) • Gustatory cortex • Basic tastes |
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