Tridimensional architecture of the lamina propria in the mouse soft palate, with special reference to the connective tissue papilla of the palatal papilla.

The NaOH cell-maceration method was applied to the oral surface of the mouse soft palate to demonstrate the tridimensional architecture of the connective tissue papillae (CTP) of the "palatal papillae", and of the openings of the glandular ducts. The CTP of the palatal papillae extremely differed from those of any types of the lingual papillae, and appeared as elliptical wall. Within the elliptical wall, there existed the semicircular or circular internal ridge which surrounded the round depression corresponding to the taste bud. The openings of the glandular ducts were rimmed by the collagen fibers running concentrically. Many fibrils derived from the concentrical fibers, turned to the sagittal direction and then concentrated into the sagittal fibers in the vicinity of the openings.