ラット喉頭蓋喉頭面の味蕾

Abstract

The laryngeal surface of the epiglottis contains a large number of taste buds. Some investigators have considered that epiglottal taste buds may have a function as chemical sensors to initiate the reflex reaction to protect the airway, but little is known about their functional role. As an initial step in a study to understand the function of laryngeal taste buds, the surface morphology, number, and location of rat epiglottal taste buds throughout development were observed by scanning electron microscopic techniques. The diameters of epiglottal taste buds were about 1/3 the size of lingual taste buds. Taste pores were found among most of the epiglottal taste buds. Microvilli projected from the taste pores. A rapid increase in the number of epiglottal taste buds occurred at about 12 weeks of age, and a rapid decrease occurred after about 30 weeks of age. The maximal number of epiglottal taste buds was counted during the period between about 12-20 weeks of age. This period of age may coincide with a peak of rat developmental stages. High-density regions of taste buds on the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis were located around the base of epiglottis. Since epiglottal taste buds seem to be in an optimal location for contact with food, it is suggested that they have an important role as a chemical receptor to protect the upper airway.