The distributive pattern, form and function seen in microvascular cast specimens of filiform papillae on the anterodorsal surface of the adult rat tongue.

The purpose of the present study was to examine in detail the distributive pattern, form and function of small conical papillae (SCP) and of filiform papillae (FIP) in the anterodorsal part of the adult rat fore-tongue in a microvascular cast specimen (MVCS), with the scanning electron microscope (SEM), and to elucidate the close relationship between the morphological characteristics and the function of the tongue. From the results obtained in this study, SCP in the anterior part were subdivided into three types: SCP type I, II and III according to the shape, size, distributive pattern and form taken from the two peripheral sides as for as the median sulcus (MS) in the central portion. The results we obtained suggested that the primary role of SCP types I and II at the apex may be mainly that of touch and attachment to the food and water, while SCP types II and III in the anterior part function efficiently by taking the food and water from both peripheral sides to the MS or central portion, and finally transporting it into the oral cavity and supporting the mastication system.