Travers S P, Nicklas K
Section of Oral Biology, Ohio State University, College of Dentistry, Columbus 43210.
Anat Rec. 1990 Jul;227(3):373-9. doi: 10.1002/ar.1092270313.
The present study evaluated the number and distribution of taste buds in the rat pharynx and larynx using light microscopic techniques. The average number of taste buds in this region was 141.9 (S.D. = 29.4, n = 10). Pharyngeal and laryngeal taste buds could be grouped into three subpopulations: those associated with laryngeal structures (LA), the nasopharynx (NP), or the palatopharyngeal eminence (PE). Laryngeal taste buds were most numerous (mean = 103.2, S.D. = 23.6). They were observed on the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis and extended caudally along the aryepiglottic folds, reaching peak density at the caudal extreme of the folds. Further caudally, when the larynx and rostral esophagus separated, taste bud density decreased sharply. Fewer taste buds were associated with the NP (mean = 31.9, S.D. = 13.7) or PE (mean = 6.8, S.D. = 4.0) and taste bud density in these subpopulations peaked at the anterior border of the nasopharyngeal hiatus. Taste buds in the rat larynx and pharynx account for 10% all taste buds in this species, a proportion similar to that accounted for by taste buds on the soft palate. Taste buds in this region appear to be ideally situated for protecting the airway during accidental aspiration of food or fluids. Most pharyngeal and laryngeal taste buds are unlikely to be involved in triggering normally occurring swallows, although they could be stimulated as the bolus is propelled from the oral cavity to the esophagus.
本研究使用光学显微镜技术评估了大鼠咽和喉中味蕾的数量及分布。该区域味蕾的平均数量为141.9个（标准差=29.4，n=10）。咽和喉的味蕾可分为三个亚群：与喉结构（LA）、鼻咽（NP）或腭咽隆起（PE）相关的味蕾。喉味蕾数量最多（平均值=103.2，标准差=23.6）。在会厌的喉面观察到它们，并沿杓会厌襞向尾侧延伸，在襞的尾端达到最高密度。再向尾侧，当喉和食管起始段分开时，味蕾密度急剧下降。与鼻咽（平均值=31.9，标准差=13.7）或腭咽隆起（平均值=6.8，标准差=4.0）相关的味蕾较少，且这些亚群中的味蕾密度在鼻咽裂孔前缘达到峰值。大鼠喉和咽中的味蕾占该物种所有味蕾的10%，这一比例与软腭上味蕾所占比例相似。该区域的味蕾似乎处于理想位置，可在食物或液体意外误吸时保护气道。大多数咽和喉味蕾不太可能参与触发正常的吞咽动作，尽管在食团从口腔推进到食管时它们可能会受到刺激。
