Microscopic anatomy of the apical part of the tongue of Lemur fulvus (primates, Lemuriformes).

Orally pointing papillary projections at the tip of the tongue of Lemur fulvus exhibit an anatomical structure indicating their nature as sense organs perceiving tactile stimulations. The papillae operariae of the apical part of the dorsum linguae as well as of the anterior lateral margins are papillae coronatae. Only fungiform papillae exhibit taste buds. The papillae operariae outnumber the fungiform papillae to such an extent that it is justified to consider the rostral part of the tongue as an organ sensitive for touch in addition to its function as an organ of taste. The mouthing and "chewing" of novel objects is virtually an oral exploration.