Morphology of the lingual papillae of the Chapman's zebra (Equus quagga chapmani).

Abstract

We examined the dorsal lingual surfaces of an adult Chapman's zebra by scanning electron microscopy. The filiform papillae of the lingual apex consisted of a main papilla and smaller secondary papillae. The fungiform papillae were round in shape. The filiform papillae of central region of the lingual body were needle-like in shape. The filiform papillae of posterior region of the lingual body were hair-like in shape. Many grooves were observed on posterolateral regions and the fungiform papillae were observed on the inside of some grooves. The vallate papillae were located on both sides of the posterior region and surrounded by a groove. The anatomical characteristic of the lingual surface of the Chapman's zebra is the fungiform papillae on the inside of some grooves.