Morphology of the lingual papillae in the roan antelope

Abstract

We examined the dorsal lingual surfaces of an adult roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) by scanning electron microscopy. Filiform, fungiform and vallate papillae were observed. The filiform papillae consisted of a larger main papilla and smaller secondary papillae. A top of the connective tissue core of the filiform papilla showed several depressions. The connective tissue core of the papilla with a long process was rarely observed. The fungiform papillae were round in shape. The connective tissue core of the fungiform papilla was flower-bud shaped. The lenticular papillae of large size were limited on the torus lingua. The connective tissue core of the lenticular papilla consisted of numerous small spines. The vallate papillae were located on both sides of the posterolateral aspects. The vallate papillae were flattened oval shaped and the papillae are surrounded by circular trench. The connective tissue core of the vallate papilla was covered with numerous small spines.