Neurohistological observations on the tongue of the tufted capuchin, Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1758.

Neurohistological observations of the tongues of the adult monkeys Cebus apella are described. It was noted that the Cebus tongue presents few vallate papilae situated mainly in the posterior and lateral parts; fungi and filiforms are spread all over the dorsal surface. Histologically there was evidence that numerous nerve fibres of variable size come from the deep layers of the tongue to the surface structure. In many regions they constitute plexuses, other cross the muscular and glandular layers, going to the epithelial layer of the tongue's mucosa. The vallate and fungiform papillae are supplied with abundant nerve fibres which terminate free and are furnished with many taste buds. The epithelium and surrounding connective tissue is innervated by the fibres with free or ramified endings. The muscular layer shows muscle fibres distributed in all directions and the presence of motor end plates and nerve fibres is evident.