A new cell type in the taste buds of anurans. A scanning and transmission electron microscopic study.

A hitherto undescribed cell type within the fungiform papillae of the tongue of the toad, Bufo bufo (L.) and the taste-disks of the soft palate of Bombina variegata L. was identified by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This cell type is characterized by an apical protrusion carrying numerous microvilli. Bundles of filaments are present in the cytoplasm of the protrusion. Vesicles with electron lucent content and microtubules are present thoughout the cytoplasm of the cell.