Conical Papillae Research Articles

Functional Morphology of the Tongue and Laryngeal Entrance and Scanning Electron Microscopic Pattern of the Filter Feeding Apparatus of Anas crecca.

There is insufficient information about the migratory Eurasian teal, Anas crecca. The study provides the first anatomical description of lingual adaptations and their relationship with the species-specific feeding behavior of A. crecca collected near Egyptian Lake Nasser. Our investigation was applied with the help of gross, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and morphometric analysis. The study focused on the feeding filtering apparatus that depends on eight lingual papillae. The spatula-shaped nail is adapted for food particle pecking, while the lingual combs, rostral border of the prominence, unique papillary crest, median groove, and papillary system aid in intra-oral transportation. The feeding apparatus is formed by the lateral and dorsal papillary systems. The lateral papillary system had conical papillae with numerous long filiform and hair-like filiform papillae to constitute the food filtration apparatus, while the dorsal papillary system had ridged-like and rod-like papillae in addition to the small papillae of the papillary crest and spinated border of the root to help in moving the food particles with water to the lateral sides of the prominence. The laryngeal region exhibited papillary (pre-glottic) and non-papillary (glottic) areas. The papillary area had two lateral papillary portions and a median smooth portion, while the non-papillary area had an ovoid laryngeal mound with a median glottic opening that was bordered by a papillary border. The papillary portion had three slightly oblique longitudinal papillary rows.

Biological aspects of the lingual papillae of the Arab Zebu cattle: a new perspicuity of its chad ecological adaptations

BackgroundOur research is the first to explore the ultrastructural features of the lingual papillary system of Arab Zebu cattle, highlighting their Chadian environmental adaptations.ResultsThere were two types of papillary systems: gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) and mechanical (filiform, conical, and lentiform). The dorsal surface of the apex and rostral parts of the body had well-developed filiform papillae, whereas the tip’s surface had mucosal folds, tubercles, and few filiform papillae. The torus lingua’s dorsal surface displayed few lentiform papillae, while two conical papillae subtypes and numerous circumvallate papillae were present on its lateral surfaces. A slight median ridge on the dorsal surface of the body had not been described previously. Six filiform papillae subtypes were identified: long and rod-like on the tip; tongue-like and elongated on the lateral area of the apex and body; transient conical and leaf-like on the median line. The accessory processes were: one pair (on long, tongue-like, and transient conical), two pairs (on leaf-like and elongated), and four pairs on the large conical papillae. The two fungiform papillae subtypes were surrounded by a groove and had taste pores (3–5 on the oval and 5–9 on the round papillae). The U-shaped annular bad were observed around the ovoid circumvallate papillae, and the circular bad were observed around the round ones. The circumvallate had taste pores (8–14 on the round’s dorsal and lateral surfaces and 6–10 on the ovoid’s lateral surface).ConclusionThe papillary system’s regional divergence was specialized for its harsh and semi-harsh diet.

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This study is to identify the comparative morphological description of the tongue in two species of domesticated waterbirds, Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (Linnaeus,1758) and Graylag Goose Anser anser (Linnaeus,1758) (Anseriformes, Anatidae). Four adult male birds (two for each species) were collected from the Iraqi environment and used in the current study by buying them from the AL-Ghezil Market, a local market in Baghdad City. Anaesthetized, dissected, and laboratory work were conducted and visually documented. The results of the study showed that the tongue of both birds was characterized by the appearance of being a narrow-elongated organ divided into three areas represented by the apex, the lingual body, and the root. It was noted that there was a median sulcus, lingual prominence, and conical and filiform papillae of varying numbers and distribution on the dorsal surface of the tongue. While the ventral surface was free of lingual papillae, but it might contain in return a triangular squamous plate called a lingual nail or a bar-shaped structure called a lyssa in proportion to the type and nature of nutrition.

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Anatomy and morphology study of seeds for seven Lathyrus L., 1753 species in Iraq; the species were: L. annuus L.,1753, L. aphaca L., 1753, L. chloranthus Boiss., 1859, L. cicera L., 1753, L. sativus L., 1753, L. inconspicuus L., 1753 and L. sphaericus Retz.,1753. There are 17 species of the Fabaceae family that are distributed throughout the middle and northern regions of Iraq. Using a scanning electron microscope, the study's characteristics were examined to ascertain the taxonomic relationships, interactions, and issues that impeded the species' ability to be separated according to taxa. The seeds were glossy in all species except L. sativus L. and L. sphaericus L. which were matt, the surface cells wall undulation, the wax covered the peak of the conical papillae, the anatomical characteristics determined by cross section in seeds and pointed some trails such us ,Epidermis parenchyma thickness and Palisade, the species L. annus L. and L.aphaca L. were given the highest value of exocarps thickness (5.5) µm while the species L.sativus recorded the Lowest mean (3.8)µm, the seed coat in L. sativus L. is detached from some epidermis in some area with pit aperture, in according the epidermis thickness, the species classification to three groups the L. aphaca L. and L. sphericaus Retz. recorded the highest value (46-49) µm respectively, L. sphaericus Retz. recorded the highest value of palisade thickness which was 61 µm, some unique trails such us present the pit in exocarp, and the pit cavity was along parenchyma layer in L. sativus L., the similar morphology features are considered the evidence for the proximity of the taxa, so the internal structure (anatomy) of the seeds can be used to separate the taxa.

Morphological adaptation of the tongue of okapi (Okapia johnstoni Artiodactyla, Giraffidae)-Anatomy, histology, and ultrastructure.

The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the tongue of the okapi, and to compare the results with other ruminants including browsers, intermediates and grazers. The material was collected post-mortem from two animals from a Zoological Garden. The structure of the okapi tongue, focusing of the shape of the tongue, lingual surface, its papillae and lingual glands, was examined using gross morphology, light and polarized microscopy, and by scanning electron microscopy. The okapi tongue was characterized by dark pigmentation on the lingual dorsum (except lingual torus) and on the whole ventral surface. Two types of filiform papillae were observed, with additional, even 6-8 projections at their base. The round fungiform papillae were present at a higher density, up to 16/cm2, on the ventro-lateral area of the lingual apex. Round and elongate vallate papillae were arranged in two parallel lines between the body and root of the tongue. Numerous taste buds were detected within the epithelium of their vallum, while fungiform papillae had sparse taste buds. A lack of foliate papillae was noted. Very small conical papillae, some lenticular in shape, were present on the lingual torus. Thick collagen type I fibers were dominant over collagen type III fibers in the connective tissue of the lingual papillae. The mucous acini units were dominant among lingual glands, indicating that the secretion of okapi lingual glands was mostly mucous. In many aspects, the tongue of okapi resembles the tongue of other ruminants. The specific lingual shape and lingual surface, together with the lingual glands, support the processing of plant food, such as young and soft leaves. Although okapi tongue is characterized by smaller conical papillae compared to other ruminants, its high number of vallate papillae is similar that found in other browsers, intermediate and grazers. Thus the number of gustatory papillae rather indicates that this feature is not related to the type of feeding.

Macroscopic, microscopic, and immunofluorescent characterization of the Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca graeca) oropharyngeal floor with concern to its feed adaptation as a herbivorous land reptile.

The current investigation focuses on gross anatomy, light, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the Testudo graeca oropharyngeal floor, with particular reference to the immunofluorescence technique to examine its tongue. The T. graeca oropharyngeal floor showed many anatomical structures: the lower rhamphotheca, paralingual ridge, lower alveolar ridge, tongue, laryngeal mound, and glottis. The lower rhamphotheca appeared as a V-shaped jaw line with a highly serrated edge and a median tomium (beak). SEM observations of the lingual apex and the lingual body showed rectangular and conical filiform papillae with porous surfaces and taste pores. Meanwhile, the lingual root had two wings that carried papillae with different shapes: dagger-shaped, conical, bifurcated, and leaf-like papillae, and these papillae lacked taste pores. The laryngeal mound had openings for the laryngeal mucus gland and its secretions. Light microscopy findings showed mucous glands in the propria submucosa and near the mucosal surface of the lingual apex. The lingual root had lingual papillae and two hyaline cartilaginous skeletons between skeletal muscles, and the lingual papillae were elongated filiform, rectangular filiform papillae, and fungiform papillae. The lamina propria constituted the core of the lingual papillae and the mucous gland, they had a positive reaction with the periodic acid schiff (PAS) reagent. The apical surface of the fungiform papillae had taste pores. Under immunofluorescence, the vimentin was detected in taste bud cells, and synaptophysin reacted to the taste buds and nerve bundles. The current study of the Greek tortoise oropharyngeal floor investigated its herbivorous eating habits using its serrated lower rhamphotheca, a large tongue with differently shaped papillae, and numerous mucous glands. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The Greek tortoise (T. graeca graeca) oropharyngeal floor showed many anatomical structures: lower rhamphotheca, paralingual ridge, lower alveolar ridge, tongue, laryngeal mound, and glottis. SEM and light microscopy observations of the tongue revealed varied types and shapes of lingual papillae with a porous surface on the tongue apex (rectangular or conical filiform papillae), on the tongue body (filiform and fungiform papillae), and on the tongue root (dagger-shaped, conical, bifurcated, and leaf-like papillae). Light microscopy findings: the lamina propria constituted the core of the lingual papillae and had numerous mucous glands that had a slightly magenta-red color with PAS reagent. The apical surface of the fungiform papillae had taste pores. Vimentin and synaptophysin gave a reaction to the taste buds.

The tongue of the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans): morphological characterization through gross, light, scanning electron, and immunofluorescence microscopic examination

The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is renowned for its remarkable adaptations, yet much of its complex biology remains unknown. In this pioneering study, we utilized a combination of gross anatomy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), light microscopy, and immunofluorescence techniques to examine the tongue’s omnivorous adaptation in this species. This research bridges a critical knowledge gap, enhancing our understanding of this intriguing reptile. Gross examination revealed a unique arrowhead-shaped tongue with a median lingual fissure and puzzle-piece-shaped tongue papillae. SEM unveiled rectangular filiform, conical, and fungiform papillae, with taste pores predominantly on the dorsal surface and mucous cells on the lateral surface of the papillae. Histologically, the tongue’s apex featured short rectangular filiform and fungiform papillae, while the body exhibited varying filiform shapes and multiple taste buds on fungiform papillae. The tongue’s root contained lymphatic tissue with numerous lymphocytes surrounding the central crypt, alongside lingual skeletal musculature, blood and lymph vessels, and Raffin corpuscles in the submucosa. The lingual striated muscle bundles had different orientations, and the lingual hyaline cartilage displayed a bluish coloration of the ground substance, along with a characteristic isogenous group of chondrocytes. Our research represents the first comprehensive application of immunofluorescence techniques to investigate the cellular intricacies of the red-eared slider’s tongue by employing seven distinct antibodies, revealing a wide array of compelling and significant findings. Vimentin revealed the presence of taste bud cells, while synaptophysin provided insights into taste bud and nerve bundle characteristics. CD34 and PDGFRα illuminated lingual stromal cells, and SOX9 and PDGFRα shed light on chondrocytes within the tongue’s cartilage. CD20 mapped B-cell lymphocyte distribution in the lingual tonsil, while alpha smooth actin (α-SMA) exposed the intricate myofibroblast and smooth muscle network surrounding the lingual blood vessels and salivary glands. In conclusion, our comprehensive study advances our knowledge of the red-eared slider’s tongue anatomy and physiology, addressing a significant research gap. These findings not only contribute to the field of turtle biology but also deepen our appreciation for the species’ remarkable adaptations in their specific ecological niches.

Comparative histological and ultrastructural features of the tongue of the mallard domestic duck, Anas platyrhynchos f. domestica, Anatidae (Linnaeus, 1758) in different two age stages (post-hatching [P2] and adult female) captured from Egypt.

The domestic duck is classified as a specialist filter-feeder bird living in the water. These birds also use grazing and pecking as terrestrial feeding methods. The tongues of domestic ducks, similar to those of other Anseriformes, exhibit numerous types and shapes of mechanical papillae that serve a number of purposes when collecting food. The current study attempts to describe the morphological characteristics of the tongue as well as the mechanical papillae's development. In addition, the study aims to determine whether the papillae observed post-hatching (P2) exhibit similar morphology to those found in adult female avian species, as well as to investigate the readiness of the tongue to fulfill its feeding function following hatching. The comprehensive examination of lingual mucosa is examined about the structural modifications necessary for this variety of feeding activities. In this study, the tongues of nine young (P2) and adult female were used. The tongue had three distinct parts: the apex, which had a lingual nail on its ventral surface; the body, which exhibits numerous small and large conical papillae on its lateral sides and a lingual prominence in the caudal region; and the root, which is covered with numerous conical papillae of varying sizes. Conical, filiform, and hair-like mechanical papillae, the three types of food filtration apparatus, are present in both stages. The intraoral transfer involves several structures, including the median groove, lingual combs, and the rostral border of the lingual prominence. The rostral border of the lingual prominence is characterized by distinct rows of conical papillae. The histological analysis demonstrated the presence of both keratinized and nonkeratinized epithelium on different tongue regions. The lingual salivary glands in the rostral and caudal lingual salivary glands exhibit a pronounced periodic acid-Schiff-positive reaction. Additionally, the yellow adipose tissue and sensory receptors, namely the Grandry and Herbst corpuscles, which collectively form the bill-tongue organ that monitors the movement of food. These results conclude the presence of microstructural species-specific alterations in specific tongue areas of domestic ducks' lingual mucosa. These modifications are formed by the filtering mechanism and terrestrial feeding mechanisms, such as grazing or pecking. Following hatching, the tongue of the domestic duck undergoes significant development, primarily in preparation for grazing activities. The anatomical and histological structure of the young (P2) tongue exhibited similarities to that of the adult female domestic duck while also displaying certain variations that could potentially be attributed to the bird's habitat and mode of feeding. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The results of this study concluded that the domestic duck exhibit a complex tongue structure characterized by the arrangement and morphology of its mechanical papillae, the presence of the lingual prominence with distinctive shape and the lingual comb. These features are believed to be adaptations that enable the duck to actively and efficiently filter food particles from water, serving as its primary feeding mechanism. Additionally, the tongue of domestic ducks is specifically adapted to facilitate various terrestrial activities, such as grazing and pecking. This adaptation is achieved through the presence of conical papillae and a lingual nail. These investigations facilitate our comprehension of both the anatomical and histological characteristics of the domestic duck tongue, as well as enhance our understanding of bird adaptations to various feeding mechanisms.

Morphology Features and Microanatomy of The Lingual Papilae of The Eonycteris Spelaea (Dobson, 1871): Scanning Electron Microscpy and Light Microscopy

Background: Eonycteris spelaea is a sizable nectar-feeding bat that falls within the taxonomic classification of Order Chiroptera and Family Pteropododae. The form and structure of the tongue play a crucial role for bats in the intake and digestion of food in their mouth. Each papilla's morphology, dimensions, spatial arrangement, and physiological role exhibit variations among different animal species, contingent upon their respective lifestyles. Aim: This research attempts to examine the morphology and microstructure of the Eonycteris spelaea's lingual papillae, collected from Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Methods: This study will achieved a scanning electron microscope and a light microscope in the presence of haematoxylin eosin staining and employed a sample of 6 sexually indiscriminate adult Eonyteris spelaea bats. Results: The tongue of Eonycteris spelaea separated into three distinct parts: the apex, corpus, and radix. The structure's apex contains filiform papillae, which come in many varieties, such as scale-like filiform papilla, enormous trifid papilla, and little crown-like papilla. Additionally, there is a cluster of fungiform papillae on the outside edge of the highest point and transitional papillae connecting the large trifid papillae with the smaller crown-shaped papillae. The corpus section comprises two papilla types: filiform papilla (leaf-shaped filiform papilla and big crown-shaped papilla) and fungiform papilla. The radix comprises the elongated conical papilla, rosette-shaped filiform papilla, short conical papilla, transitional papilla, and three circumvallate papillae at the back of the tongue. Conclusion: Lingual papillae E. spelaea comprise wide variety of mechanic papillae and also sensory papillae which specific dietary regimen on their living habitat.

Anatomical study and measurements on the tongue of mature local breed ducks (Anas Platyrhynchos) and geese (Anserinae)

By studying both species the results showed that the average weights of adult birds were 1445 gm in ducks. the average rate of tongue’s weight was 8.87 gm, and a relative weight of 0.61 gm, while the average weights in geese were 2374 gm, 11.28 gm, and 0.47 gm, respectively. The dorsal surface of the apex of the tongue of ducks was spoon-shaped, while the apex of the tongue of geese was round. but the ventral surface was triangular with a white plate termed the nail of the tongue in both species. The caudal part of the duck tongue makes the tongue comb which is placed in front of the lingual elevation, whereas the caudal part of the goose tongue forms the median furrow which is located at the front border of the lingual elevation. The margins of the tongue of both animals include large and small conical mechanical papillae, in addition to filiform papillae. A significant difference has been noted in the thickness of the apex and the root of the tongue between the two birds. Also, there was a significant difference in the width of the lingual elevation and root between the two birds.

Tongue of the Egyptian Endemic Bridled Skink (Heremites vittatus; Olivier, 1804): Gross, Electron Microscopy, Histochemistry, and Immunohistochemical Analysis.

The present study used light and scanning electron microscopy to describe the integrative morphological description of the tongue and laryngeal mound of Heremites vittatus, an endemic lizard of Saharan Africa. Additionally, ultrastructure, histology, histochemistry, and immunohistochemical approaches were used to characterize the lingual apparatus adaptations. In the present study, Heremites vittatus consisted of a complex lingual papillary system in which the ventral apical surface of the foretongue comprised conical papillae. The dorsal surface consisted of different filiform papillary (papillae filiformes) types: the anterior section had two types (bifid and pointed), and the posterior section had four types (triangular, trifid, quadrifid, and pentafid) papillae. The dorsal midtongue surface exhibits scale-like, serrated filiform papillae with anterior gland openings. The hindtongue consisted of two overlapping filiform papillae: scale-like, board-serrated papillae on the median portion and finger-like papillae on the wings. The dorsal surface of the laryngeal mound had 18 longitudinal folds with glandular openings. Histologically, the foretongue was covered by a slightly keratinized layer that was absent in the mid- and hindtongue. The lingual glands were absent from the foretongue but present in the interpapillary space in the mid- and hindtongues. We observed a few rounded taste buds in the conical papilla epithelium. Histochemical analysis revealed strong glandular Alcian Blue (AB)-positive and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive reactions. Immunohistochemistry showed strong cytokeratin immunopositivity in all parts of the tongue. In conclusion, the obtained data about the lingual characterizations have been consistent with the active foraging behavior of the species and its environmental conditions.

A Comparative Histological And Histochemical Study Of The Tongue Of Local Adult Ducks And Geese

Our study aimed to determine the histological and histochemical composition of the tongue of both ducks (Anas Platyrhynchos) and geese (Anserini). Our histological study showed that the mucous membrane covering the tongue in local ducks and geese consists of a multi-layered epithelium covering the lamina propria, which differs in the degree of keratinization according to its location in the tongue, and that the thickness of the epithelium of the dorsal surface of the tongue gradually decreases from the front towards the root, while the epithelium increases in thickness towards the root. The ossified epithelium is located at the top and beginning of the body of the tongue, forming what is known as the nail of the tongue in both ducks and geese. The small and large conical papillae in various parts of the tongue, as well as the filiform papillae, are covered with erosive ossified epithelium

Histo-morphological Characterization of the Tongue and Oropharyngeal Cavity of the Shining Sunbird (Cinnyris habessinicus).

Sunbirds, as specialized nectarivores, have developed multiple lingual and oropharyngeal peculiarities imposed by this dietary specialization that particularly extract floral nectar. We have described the functional morphology of the tongues and palates of the shining sunbird, Cinnyris habessinicus, using gross anatomical, histological, and scanning electron microscopic methods. The tongue was bifurcated with fringed lamella and extended posteriorly, forming a broad trough at the lingual body and terminating in two fleshy, alae linguae. The lingual apex and body are nonpapillate and nonglandular, and its root had a muscular pad followed by a conspicuous laryngeal mound bordered by three prominent rows of conical papillae. The lingual root had clusters of mucoid glands with rich acidic mucins, and the laryngeal region had complex papillary distribution at the back margins. Both the lingual body and root had well-developed skeletal elements, musculature, and connective tissues. Furthermore, the palate was membranous and made up of four main ridges with a central choanal slit guarded by choanal papillae. Overall, the presented results showed structural and anatomical features that are the results of the nectarivory dietary niche.

Histomorphological study of tongue in Indigenous peacock (Pavo cristatus)

The current study aimed to examine the histomorphological features of the oral salivary ducts and the peacock tongue (Pavo cristatus) of this species. In this study, eight healthy adult peacocks were used after collecting them from a commercial market in Baghdad to investigate and describe the tongue in these bird species. After being euthanized, they were killed by cutting off the major neck blood vessels and bleeding until death; the tongue was identified. The tongue was the sharp end, elongated, somewhat triangular, and measured 8.2 mm. The apex, trunk, and base are its three sections. There are 4 to 5 layers of big conical papillae on the area where the root and body converge. Without gustatory papillae, the dense keratinized epithelium stratified squamous epithelia that lined the dorsal surface and were sparse on the ventral surfaces. The body and tongue root contain cells of the epithelium. It was supported by hyaline cartilage as a short plate. Lingual salivary glands situated anterior and posterior are superficial branch tubuloalveolar glands. This research was conducted at the University of Baghdad/ College of Veterinary Medicine in the Anatomy and Histology Department. Our result concluded that modifying the bird tongue, papillae distribution, and mucosa epithelium histological features is mainly restricted to feeding types that also have similarities with other avian species. Keywords: peacock, tongue, lingual papillae, keratinized epithelium

A morphological investigation of the tongue of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758).

The morphological structure of the tongue and papillae that occur on it vary according to an animal's lifestyle, nutrition, and adaptation to various environmental conditions. This study aimed to reveal in detail the morphological, histological, and electron microscopic structure of the tongue of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758). In this study, nine roe tongues were used. The tongue consists of three parts: the apex, body, and root. When the dorsal surface of the tongue was examined in detail, five different papillae were observed: filiform, lenticular, conical, fungiform, and vallate. Filiform papillae differed in having secondary papillae according to their localization. The opening holes of taste buds were observed on the surface of the round and flat fungiform papillae. The free ends of the filiform papillae were more pointed and thinner than those of the other papillae, while the width of the lenticular papillae was thicker, the surface was flat, and the free ends were blunt. Triangular-shaped conical papillae were observed differently regarding the presence or absence of secondary papillae. The vallate papillae were caudolateral to the lingual torus. On the surface of the vallate papillae, circumferenced by a deep groove, were the opening holes of the taste buds and microridges. From this analysis, it appears to be characteristic of roe deer that mechanical function, filiform, and conical papillae contain secondary papillae; lenticular papillae, absent in many deer species, are found; and a prominent papillary groove surrounds all mechanical and gustatory papillae. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The lingual papillae of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) were examined with this study in detail for the first time. Similarities and differences with ruminant species were determined.

The tongue morphology of Pteropus vampyrus from Timor Island, Indonesia: New insights from scanning electron and light microscopic studies

Abstract. Selan YN, Wihadmadyatami H, Haryanto A, Kusindarta DL. 2023. The tongue morphology of Pteropus vampyrus from Timor Island, Indonesia: New insights from scanning electron and light microscopic studies. Biodiversitas 24: 3512-3518. The large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus Linnaeus, 1758) is a Southeast Asian megabat species includes with frugivorous bats. The tongue plays a pivotal role in taking, chewing, and swallowing food. The structure of the bat tongue hampers considerable variation, mainly in the papilla. Variations occur owing to the feeding habits, environment, and adaptation of bats to their environments. The aim of this study was to clarify the morphological structure of the tongue of P. vampyrus obtained from the island of Timor, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Light Microscopy(LM). This study included six adult bats regardless of sex. Macroscopically, the tongue of P. vampyrus consists of three parts: the apex, corpus, and radix. SEM and LM confirmed that the apex presents filiform papillae of several subtypes, including scale-like filiform, giant trifid, and small crown-like papillae. In addition, the apex features fungiform and transitional papillae between the giant trifid and small crown-like papillae. Furthermore, the corpus consists of filiform papillae (leaf-like filiform and large crown-like papillae) and fungiform papillae. The radix consists of filiform papillae (long conical, leaf-like filiform, and short conical papillae), fungiform papillae, and three V-shaped circumvallate papillae pointing to the larynx.

Theama japonica sp. nov., an Interstitial Polyclad Flatworm Showing a Wide Distribution along Japanese Coasts.

We establish a new interstitial polyclad species, Theama japonica sp. nov., based on specimens collected from coarse-sandy habitats in three Japanese main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, and Shikoku) along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Theama japonica is characterized by i) two pairs of cerebral eyespots and four to six precerebral eyespots; ii) eosinophilic secretion glands distributed in the distal half of the inner ventral part of the prostatic vesicle; iii) a conical penis papilla, bent up dorsally, with a sclerotized inner wall; iv) the prostatic sheath with an inner angular fold on the dorso-distal side; and v) the external cilia longer dorsally than ventrally. Partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene from 20 specimens collected at eight localities along Japanese coasts represented 19 haplotypes. The uncorrected p-distances among these COI haplotypes fell within intraspecific variations observed in other polyclads. A network analysis based on these COI haplotypes suggested a geographically non-cohesive genetic structure of the species, possibly indicating the species' high dispersibility. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on a concatenated dataset of 18S and 28S rDNA sequences showed T. japonica formed a clade with other Theama species. The resulting tree also indicates that our new species is more closely related to Theama sp. from Colombia than species from Panama and Croatia.

Morphological identification of the squirrel (Callosciurus notatus) tongue through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and histochemistry

Abstract. Megawati EI, Pradipta SID, Damia U, Kustiati U, Wihadmadyatami H, Kusindarta DL. 2023. Morphological identification of the squirrel (Callosciurus notatus) tongue through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and histochemistry. Biodiversitas 24: 2302-2314. Squirrel (Callosciurus notatus) plays an important role in the agricultural ecosystem.Their urine and feces kill coconut tree pests and help preserve coconut farming productivity. This research focuses on the morphological identification of the tongue and lingual papillae distribution of the Callosciurus notatus’stongue. The tongue morphology and lingual papillae distribution of Callosciurus notatus were investigated through two different methods: using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histology. This paper provides macroscopic and histological tongue morphology and lingual papillae distribution of Callosciurus notatus. Macroscopically, the tongue is divided into the apex, corpus, and radix. The dorsal surface of the apex the groove and lateral prominence were occur. SEM and light microscopy observation showed that the apex bears three types of papillae: leaf-like filiform, bifid filiform, and fungiform. The corpus includes wide leaf-like filiform papillae, saw-like filiform papillae, bifid filiform papillae, and fungiform papillae. On the radix, there are conical like filiform papillae, fungiform papillae, conical and vallatae papillae. The lateral part of radix showed Weber’s glands that react strongly positively by Alcian Blue (AB) pH 2.5 and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining; Weber’s glands consist of neutral and acidic mucin. Von Ebner’s glands were at the textus muscularis striatus syncytialis near the vallatae papillae, which react weakly positively to PAS stain and did not react to AB pH 2.5 stain; von Ebner’s glands consist of neutral mucin. Masson Trichromestain revealed collagen structure on lamina propria mucosae and textus muscularis striatus syncytialis of apex; moderately on lamina propria mucosae and lesser on textus muscularis striatus syncytialis of the corpus and radix.

Comparative Study of Lingual Papillae, Lingual Glands and Lyssa of the Tongue of Selected Wild Felids (Carnivora, Felidae) in Biological Aspects.

Although much attention has been paid in the literature to the morphology of the tongue in various animal species, including some Felidae, it has not yet been described in detail in the vulnerable Neofelis nebulosa and Panthera leo bleyenberghi and the last concern Lynx lynx and Otocolobus manul. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the features of the tongue surface, lingual glands and lyssa in the above-mentioned four selected wild species of the Pantherinae and Felinae subfamilies. Macroscopic, histological, histochemical and ultrastructural analyzes were used in the present work. Comparative analyzes of the dorsal tongue surface showed the presence of mechanical lingual papillae on five subtypes of filiform papillae on the apex and body and conical papillae on the root of the tongue. Gustatory papillae in the four analyzed species were fungiform papillae and various numbers of vallate papillae. Foliate papillae were absent in P. leo bleyenberghi and L. lynx, while delicate smooth folds, which were separated by parallel grooves but without taste buds, were present in N. nebulosa. The vallate and foliate papillae were accompanied by lingual glands, which produced a serous secretion, whereas the mixed lingual glands of the lingual root were with a predominance of mucus secretions comparable to four captive Felidae species. In the median plane on the ventral surface of the apex under its epithelium and within the muscle fibers, the lyssa was also observed to a varying degree, with the least developed, and thought about the size of the entire tongue, was in P. leo bleyenberghi. The lyssa structure in the four species was dominated by adipose tissue. The obtained results contribute knowledge concerning the functional anatomy of the tongue in four selected Felidae species, especially in terms of comparative anatomy.

Lingual morphology ofdomesticated Asian small-clawed otters inYogyakarta, Indonesia.

This study aimed toobserve the lingual morphology ofthe domesticated Asian small-clawed otter, Aonyx cinereus (A.cinereus), from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Six domesticated A.cinereus adults were obtained from alocal otter breeder inYogyakarta, with noregard tosex. The animals were acclimated tothe laboratory for one day, following this, the animals underwent macroscopy identification and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) analysis. Macroscopically, the tongue ofdomesticated A.cinereus isdivided into three parts: the apex, corpus, and radix. The apex isthe shortest part and can move freely. Amedian groove isbent along the corpus. Typically, the radix contains circumvallate papillae and the epiglottic valleculae. The SEM and LM observations revealed that the lingual morphology ofA.cinereus consisted oftwo types ofpapillae: mechanical papillae (horny filiform, leaf-like filiform, bifid filiform, trifid filiform, elongated leaf-like filiform, triangular filiform and conical papillae) and gustatory papillae (fungiform and circumvallate papillae). The lingual glands consisted ofWeber's glands and von Ebner's glands secreting acid and neutral mucins. Collagen fibres are found inthe lamina propria and muscular layer. Inconclusion, the papillae ofthe Asian short-clawed otter have the same structure asthose ofother Mustelidae family members.