On the Denticles of the Sublingua in <i>Galago crassicaudatus</i> E. Geoffrey, 1812 (Primates, Prosimiae, Lorisiformes)

Abstract

The denticles of the sublinguae of Galago crassicaudatus and G. senegalensis are studied histologically. There are, at the oral end of the sublingua, main or primary denticles which bear on their surface the much smaller secondary denticles. Spine-like small denticles occur on the surface of the ventromedian keel also. The structure of the primary denticles is the same as of the secondary ones. The rigidity of the denticles is due to the filling of the vessels with blood. It is suggested that the denticles act as sense organs of touch as well as papillae operariae. In the latter functions they clean the lower procumbent incisors like a toothbrush.