[Architecture and fine structure of the terminal blood vessels in the marginal papillae of the tongue in newborn piglets].

The vascular architecture of the marginal papillae of the tongue was examined in one to five day old piglets by means of light and transmission electron microscopy and scanning microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. The marginal papillae of the tongue exhibit a "rope ladder-like" principle of blood supply. Every papilla contains one ascending arteriole, which branches into single capillary loops each supplying a protrusion of the multiply branched base of the capillary body. The transition of the arteriole takes place on the tip of the papilla. Subsequently the capillary loops converge onto this venule. Precapillary sphincters are observed at the origin of the capillary loops. This type of vessel arrangement offers the opportunity to use the capillary system at maximum efficiency, thus allowing an erection of the papillae marginales during the process of suckling.