Tongue Morphology Research Articles

Foxf2 is required for secondary palate development and Tgfβ signaling in palatal shelf mesenchyme

The secondary palate separates the oral from the nasal cavity and its closure during embryonic development is sensitive to genetic perturbations. Mice with deleted Foxf2, encoding a forkhead transcription factor, are born with cleft palate, and an abnormal tongue morphology has been proposed as the underlying cause. Here, we show that Foxf2−/− maxillary explants cultured in vitro, in the absence of tongue and mandible, failed to close the secondary palate. Proliferation and collagen content were decreased in Foxf2−/− palatal shelf mesenchyme. Phosphorylation of Smad2/3 was reduced in mutant palatal shelf, diagnostic of attenuated canonical Tgfβ signaling, whereas phosphorylation of p38 was increased. The amount of Tgfβ2 protein was diminished, whereas the Tgfb2 mRNA level was unaltered. Expression of several genes encoding extracellular proteins important for Tgfβ signaling were reduced in Foxf2−/− palatal shelves: a fibronectin splice-isoform essential for formation of extracellular Tgfβ latency complexes; Tgfbr3 – or betaglycan – which acts as a co-receptor and an extracellular reservoir of Tgfβ; and integrins αV and β1, which are both Tgfβ targets and required for activation of latent Tgfβ. Decreased proliferation and reduced extracellular matrix content are consistent with diminished Tgfβ signaling. We therefore propose that gene expression changes in palatal shelf mesenchyme that lead to reduced Tgfβ signaling contribute to cleft palate in Foxf2−/− mice.

Tongue and taste organ development in the ontogeny of direct-developing salamander Plethodon cinereus (Lissamphibia: Plethodontidae).

The latest research on direct developing caecilian and anuran species indicate presence of only one generation of taste organs during their ontogeny. This is distinct from indirect developing batrachians studied thus far, which possess taste buds in larvae and anatomically distinct taste discs in metamorphs. This study is a description of the tongue and taste organ morphology and development in direct developing salamander Plethodon cinereus (Plethodontidae) using histology and electron microscopy techniques. The results reveal two distinct stages tongue morphology (primary and secondary), similar to metamorphic urodeles, although only one stage of taste organ morphology. Taste disc sensory zones emerge on the surface of the oropharyngeal epithelium by the end of embryonic development, which coincides with maturation of the soft tongue. Taste organs occur in the epithelium of the tongue pad (where they are situated on the dermal papillae), the palate and the inner surface of the mandible and the maxilla. Plethodon cinereus embryos only possess taste disc type taste organs. Similar to the direct developing anuran Eleutherodactylus coqui (Eleutherodactylidae), these salamanders do not recapitulate larval taste bud morphology as an embryo. The lack of taste bud formation is probably a broadly distributed feature characteristic to direct developing batrachians. J. Morphol. 277:906-915, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Tongue morphology analysis in upper airway MRI for classification of severe obstructive sleep apnea

Tongue morphology analysis in upper airway MRI for classification of severe obstructive sleep apnea

Length and density of filiform tongue papillae: differences between tick-susceptible and resistant cattle may affect tick loads.

BackgroundIndicine breeds of bovines are highly resistant and taurine breeds are susceptible to the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, a species which causes great damage to livestock. Animals use their tongues for self-grooming, an important behavior for ridding themselves of ectoparasites. However, the role of tongue morphology, notably the filiform papillae, in this process is not known.FindingsThis study compared features of the filiform papillae of tongues in eight Nelores (indicine breed) and eight Holsteins and two Brown Swiss (taurine breeds) and verified how they associate with tick loads. Biopsies were taken from identical positions of tongues and measured by scanning electron microscopy. One-way analysis of variance detected significant differences between morphological features of tongues from indicine and taurine breeds: Nelores had longer papillae (mean of 2.3 mm ± 0.029 SD; P < 0.001), and more papillae per cm2 (mean of 25.2 papillae ± 1.92 SD; P < 0.05) than European bovines (means of, respectively, 1.8 mm ± 0.027 SD and 20.9 ± 0.74 SD papillae per cm2). After infestations with equal numbers of larvae, loads of adult ticks were inversely correlated with length of papillae and directly correlated with distances between the apices of papillae (P = 0.014; r = −0.566 and P = 0.018; r = 0.567, Pearson product momentum correlation, respectively).ConclusionsSpacing between papillae is smaller in Nelores, thus their tongues may be rougher and, consequently, more effective in removing tick larvae during self-grooming, explaining the greater resistance to ticks among Zebu breeds of cattle.

The Relationship Between Sociodemographic Characteristics and Clinical Features in Burning Mouth Syndrome.

To compare sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and their relationship with pain. Cross-sectional clinical study. University-Hospital. 75 BMS patients were enrolled. The study was conducted between September 2011 and March 2012 at the "Federico II" University of Naples. Demographic characteristics and clinical information including age, sex, educational level, marital status, job status, age at disease onset, oral symptoms, and triggers were collected via questionnaire interviews. To assess pain intensity the visual analogue scale (VAS) was administered. Descriptive statistics were collected, and Pearson Chi-square tests, Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests and the Spearman bivariate correlation were performed. The mean age was 61.17 (±11.75, female/male ratio = 3:1). The mean age at disease onset was 56.75 (±12.01). A low educational level (8.57 ± 4.95) and 80% of unemployment were found. Job status and age at disease onset correlated with the VAS scale (P = 0.019 and P = 0.015, respectively). Tongue morphology changes, taste disturbances, and intraoral foreign body sensation have a significant dependence on gender (P = 0.049, 0.001, and 0.045, respectively); intraoral foreign body sensation has a significant dependence on marital status (P = 0.033); taste disturbances have a significant dependence on job status. (P = 0.049); xerostomia has a significant dependence on age (P = 0.039); and tongue color changes and a bitter taste have a significant dependence on educational level (P = 0.040 and 0.022, respectively). Marital status and educational level have a significant dependence on the triggers (P = 0.036 and 0.049, respectively). The prevalence of BMS is higher in women, and in married, unemployed, and less highly educated patients. Burning is the most frequent symptom while stressful life events are the most frequent trigger reported.

Tongue diagnosis: relationship between sublingual tongue morphology in three tongue protrusion angles and menstrual clinical symptoms

ObjectiveThe morphological and color characteristics of the tongue sublingual veins (SLVs) can manifest differently within the subjects, depending on the way their tongue is curled upward. This study was conducted in order to investigate the clinical relevancy of tongue SLV diagnosis in relation to menstrual clinical symptoms (pain, clots, heavy, and scanty), using three different inspection procedures (IP1, IP2, and IP3). MethodsThree-hundred and seventy-seven female patients were asked to stick out their tongues in three specific ways which were intended to create different tongue protrusion angles. The SLV parameters for thickness (TK), length (LE), color (CL), shape (SP), and nodules (ND) were then evaluated. ResultsAccording to the results of the Wald χ2 test, IP1 provides the best model for pain (R2 = 0.155), IP3 for clots (R2 = 0.437), IP2 for heavy (R2 = 0.268), and scanty (R2 = 0.192). Abnormal SLV diagnostic parameters were most strongly associated with the clinical symptom of clots (R2 = 0.492). ConclusionWhile the study showed the relations between tongue SLV features and menstrual clinical symptoms, as well it showed that IP2 was the best overall predictor for the symptomatic indexes used in this study, and using one particular SLV inspection procedure may not be sufficient. The application of a particular inspection method alone may cause under- or over-estimation of SLV abnormalities.

Long-term alterations in peripheral taste responses to NaCl in adult rats following neonatal chorda tympani transection.

The peripheral taste system of the adult rodent is highly resilient against damage, with morphological, behavioral, and functional recovery evident after regeneration of a transected nerve. If chorda tympani transection (CTX) occurs at early postnatal ages however, the nerve fails to regenerate and effects on tongue morphology and behavior are more severe and longer-lasting compared to adult denervation. To examine whether neonatal CTX induces functional changes in intact nerves, whole-nerve electrophysiology was performed on the glossopharyngeal (GL) and chorda tympani (CT) nerves of adult rats that received CTX at P10. Attenuation of NaCl-elicited GL responses were observed in CTX rats 2 months after surgery, with bilateral denervation causing the largest decreases in responses. When assessed 1 year after neonatal CTX, amiloride-sensitive responses to NaCl in the contralateral CT increased while amiloride-insensitive responses decreased. Responses to other tastants were consistent with control animals. This is the first evidence of long-term functional changes to the peripheral taste system after injury in rats fed a normal diet. This study further characterizes the developing peripheral taste system as highly susceptible to change following neural injury.

Applying GPR and Laser Scanner Techniques to Monitor the Ossoue Glacier (Pyrenees)

The Ossoue glacier in the Vignemale massif (3,298 m) is currently the longest and second largest of the Pyrenees (1,400-m length, 50-ha area), and the only one presenting glacier tongue morphology. We describe 50 MHz ground penetrating radar (GPR) and laser scanner surveys from which we assess the current state and dynamics of the glacier. In 2011, nearly 1,900 m of GPR profiles over the upper half of Ossoue glacier yielded up to 45 m of depth, an average value of 30 m thickness of the subglacial layer, and internal structure and layering. We compare the results with those from a study in 2006 of the same glacier, showing similar bedrock morphology with slightly less overall ice thickness than in 2011. Laser scanner surveys at the snout showed thinning rates of 3.32 m between 2010 and 2011, 4.15 m between 2011 and 2012, and an average loss of 7.47 m between 2010 and 2012. Present-day changes in Ossoue glacier are characterized by extensive thinning caused by melting and collapse of the ice mass. If these thinning rates are maintained, Ossoue glacier will vanish within 35 yr.

Morphology and fibre-type distribution in the tongue of the Pogona vitticeps lizard (Iguania, Agamidae).

Agamid lizards use tongue prehension for capturing all types of prey. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional relationship between tongue structure, both surface and musculature, and function during prey capture in Pogona vitticeps. The lack of a detailed description of the distribution of fibre-types in the tongue muscles in some iguanian lizards has hindered the understanding of the functional morphology of the lizard tongue. Three methodological approaches were used to fill this gap. First, morphological analyses were performed (i) on the tongue surface through scanning electron microscopy, and (ii) on the lingual muscle by histological coloration and histochemistry to identify fibre-typing. Secondly, kinematics of prey capture was quantified by using high-speed video recordings to determine the movement capabilities of the tongue. Finally, electromyography (EMG) was used to identify the motor pattern tongue muscles during prey capture. Morphological and functional data were combined to discuss the functional morphology of the tongue in agamid lizards, in relation to their diet. During tongue protraction, M. genioglossus contracts 420 ± 96 ms before tongue-prey contact. Subsequently, Mm. verticalis and hyoglossus contract throughout tongue protraction and retraction. Significant differences are found between the timing of activity of the protractor muscles between omnivorous agamids (Pogona sp., this study) and insectivorous species (Agama sp.), despite similar tongue and jaw kinematics. The data confirm that specialisation toward a diet which includes more vegetal materials is associated with significant changes in tongue morphology and function. Histoenzymology demonstrates that protractor and retractor muscles differ in fibre composition. The proportion of fast glycolytic fibres is significantly higher in the M. hyoglossus (retractor muscle) than in the M. genioglossus (protractor muscle), and this difference is proposed to be associated with differences in the velocity of tongue protrusion and retraction (5 ± 5 and 40 ± 13 cm s(-1) , respectively), similar to Chamaeleonidae. This study provides a way to compare fibre-types and composition in all iguanian and scleroglossan lizards that use tongue prehension to catch prey.

Influence of diet on prehension mode in cordylid lizards: a morphological and kinematic analysis

AbstractLizards exhibit a variety of mechanisms to capture prey, including lingual prehension, jaw prehension and lingual pinning. Despite being the topic of numerous studies, the link between prehension mode and diet remains poorly understood, especially in clades where multiple prehension modes are present. We addressed this issue by comparing the feeding behaviour and tongue morphology of a termite‐eating specialist Ouroborus cataphractus with that of a closely related dietary generalist Karusasaurus polyzonus. We used high‐speed videography to test the effect of prey species (termite vs. small cricket) and prey size (small vs. large cricket) on prehension mode. In addition, we included several other cordylid lizards representing the major clades in the family into our analysis to examine whether the prehension modes present in O. cataphractus characterize all cordylid species or whether they represent isolated occurrences. Finally, we investigated the morphology of the tongue in Cordylidae, with emphasis on O. cataphractus and K. polyzonus, using light and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Our data showed that the consumption of termites in O. cataphractus has resulted in the evolution of a novel lingual prehension mode, during which the ventral surface of the tongue is used to apprehend prey. This is in contrast to other lizards, which use the dorsal surface of the tongue to contact prey. Moreover, we demonstrated that this novel lingual prehension mode is accompanied by distinct morphological elaborations of the tongue surface. None of the other cordylid lizards tested in our study used lingual prehension during prey capture, except K. polyzonus, which used the tongue in a very small percentage of feeding trials. Overall, this study suggests that dietary specialization might underlie the evolution of novel prehension mechanisms in lizards.

Real-time magnetic resonance imaging fo the upper airways during harmonica pitch bends

Skilled harmonica players learn to bend the pitch of certain notes by a semitone or more, especially in blues playing, by adjusting the shape of their vocal tract [Bahnson, et al., J. Acoust. Soc. 103, 2134 (2008)]. The changes of the vocal tract have been partially viewed with endoscopy and ultrasound but are still incompletely understood. While in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, a professional harmonica player using nonmagnetic, MRI-compatible diatonic harmonicas played draw and blow notes in both unbent and bent positions. Three-dimensional static and 2-dimensional real-time magnetic resonance images of the upper airway were recorded in the sagittal and coronal planes. We identified and characterized the static and dynamic changes that facilitated pitch bends for low and high notes with specific attention to tongue positioning, tongue morphology, and airway shape. Deliberate changes in the tongue shape are often accompanied by changes in other parts of the vocal tract such as the pharynx.

Change in Tongue Morphology in Response to Expiratory Resistance Loading Investigated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of expiratory resistance load on the tongue area encompassing the suprahyoid and genioglossus muscles. [Subjects] The subjects were 30 healthy individuals (15 males, 15 females, mean age: 28.9 years). [Methods] Magnetic resonance imaging was used to investigate morphological changes in response to resistive expiratory pressure loading in the area encompassing the suprahyoid and genioglossus muscles. Images were taken when water pressure was sustained at 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50% of maximum resistive expiratory pressure. We then measured tongue area using image analysis software, and the morphological changes were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance followed by post hoc comparisons. [Results] A significant change in the tongue area was detected in both sexes upon loading. Multiple comparison analysis revealed further significant differences in tongue area as well as changes in tongue area in response to the different expiratory pressures. [Conclusion] The findings demonstrate that higher expiratory pressure facilitates greater reduction in tongue area.

Tongue Morphology Analysis from the Upper Airway MRI for the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Tongue Morphology Analysis from the Upper Airway MRI for the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Tongue reduction for macroglossia in Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome: review and application of new technique

Beckwith Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a rare, congenital overgrowth disorder that is characterized by macroglossia, anterior abdominal wall defects, visceromegaly, gigantism, and neonatal hypoglycaemia. Macroglossia may contribute to anterior open bite malocclusion with prognathism, speech articulation disturbances, drooling and the perception of intellectual disability. It was the purpose of this study to review a series of BWS patients who underwent surgical reduction of the tongue by a modified technique with respect to aesthetic and functional outcomes. Seven BWS patients, age 6 months to 21 months, had a ‘stellate/anterior wedge’ reduction with an anterior rotation flap and were followed up from 4 months to 9 years postoperatively. Assessment of aesthetics together with tongue morphology and mobility were recorded and a postoperative speech evaluation was performed. Minor contour deformities were present in two patients during function but all parents were satisfied with the results. The speech pathology assessment results indicated positive outcomes for speech, oral structure and function, and feeding for all children assessed. This modified technique allows for an adequate reduction of tongue volume with conservation of motor and sensory function as well as preservation of anatomical contour.

Morphology of the tongue dorsal surface of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

The gilthead seabream is a food fish, one of the most frequently used in aquaculture. In the species of commercial interest, feeding in captivity is very important and this process is strictly related to the morphological characteristics of the oral cavity. The aim of this study is, using the standard procedures for light and scanning electron microscopy, to analyze the morphology of the tongue dorsal surface to show if relationships are present between the tongue morphology and the nutritional habits and choices of this farmed species. The main characteristic of the gilthead seabream oral cavity floor is the presence of an apical pouch, with, probably, a protective role mainly for the apical, free part of the tongue. Three zones, like in other teleosts, an apex, a body and a root, can be clearly distinguished. In the pouch foliate-like papillae were observed, while the whole tongue is characterized by the presence of two types of papillae, respectively with a fungiform and cylindroid aspect, both randomly distributed throughout the whole dorsal surface of the tongue. Scattered and numerous taste buds, with the typical pear-onion shape, together with small and numerous taste pores are also present, distributed throughout the tongue surface. Our results demonstrate that in the gilthead seabream important mechanic and sensory roles are carried out by specific anatomical structures. Our anatomical data could give, together with further biochemical and physiological data, an important support with the aim of improving the nutrition of aquaculture species.

Gross and microscopic observations on the lingual structure of the franciscana (Pontoporia blainvillei — gervais and d'orbigny, 1844)

In most anatomical studies developed with mammals, the tongue is described as highly differentiated among different species. However, studies on the tongue of aquatic mammals are still limited as compared to those on terrestrial mammals. The aim of this study was to describe the tongue morphology of the Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) using macroscopic observations, light, and scanning electron microscopy. Microscopically, the dorsal surface was covered by a keratinized stratified epithelium. Salivary gland acini were found on the middle and caudal third of the tongue. The dorsal surface was totally covered by filiform papillae with a connective tissue core and a connective tissue structure round in shape in the middle and caudal regions.

Implant‐Related Outcomes following Hypoglossal Nerve Implant for OSA

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder associated with multiple abnormal health outcomes. Failure of surgical treatment may be secondary to obstruction at the level of the tongue. To assess the non-disease related outcomes of an implantable hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) stimulating system (Inspire, Inspire Medical, Minneapolis, Minnesota). Method: Multicenter academic prospective trial of a unilateral hypoglossal nerve implant system (stimulation lead, sense lead and pulse generator). Implant procedure, technical details of stimulation titration, directed functional examinations, tongue EMG studies, and complications were reviewed from 31 implanted subjects. Results: Follow up averaged 424 days. Serious adverse events included delayed infection with explantation (n = 1), insufficient stimulation with explantation (n = 1), explantation per patient request (n = 1), and acute infection/inflammation (n = 1). Minor local pain/stiffness (n = 7), transient odynophagia (n = 4), stitch abscess (n = 1), local swelling (n = 1), fever (n = 1) were observed. Stimulation thresholds for sensation, morphologic change, and sub-discomfort (1.6 ± 0.6, 2.1 ± 0.7, 2.6 ± 0.8 respectively) did not change at 2, 4 and 6 months post-implant). At over 1 year follow-up, no abnormal findings in speech, swallowing, tongue morphology, or hypoglossal nerve function were observed. Conclusion: Placement of a CN XII implant system is technically feasible. Serious adverse outcomes occurred in 6% (delayed infection, inadequate stimulation requiring explantation). At over one year, placement of a CN XII implant for treatment of OSA demonstrates stable stimulation thresholds and is functionally well tolerated.

Morphological Study by Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Lingual Papillae in the Middle East Blind Mole Rat (Spalax ehrenbergi, Nehring, 1898)

There is no definite information about the tongue morphology of blind mole rats owing to spreading of these animals to only a certain habitat. For this reason, we aimed to examine the morphological structure of the tongue by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in this species. In this study, the tongues of four blind mole rats were used and the morphology of its lingual surface, different types of papillae, their characteristics and topographical distribution was described. Three types of papillae (filiform, fungiform and vallate) and lingual prominence were observed. The dorsal surface of the tongue was covered by filiform papilla; and filiform papillae demonstrated the most numerous type of lingual papilla. Fungiform papillae were rounded in shape and randomly distributed particularly on the anterior and medial region. In addition, each fairly convex fungiform papilla was surrounded by a continuous circular pad like a crown. The two oval vallate papillae were situated symmetrically on the posterior region and obliquely to the median line of the tongue. The body of vallate papillae was surrounded by a continuous trench and mucosal folds. The lingual prominence between medial and posterior region and a transversal groove just in front of it were observed. Furthermore, a limited tuber and root based diet and gnawing have together resulted in similarity of the tongue of the rodent, giving it some characteristics typical of a herbivore and an insectivore.

An unpublished manuscript of Alfredo Dugès related to the classification of lizards according to tongue morphology,c.1898

An unpublished manuscript of Alfredo Dugès was found in Guanajuato, Mexico. This manuscript is interesting in depicting some of the ideas Dugès held about the phylogenetic position of many lizard groups in the nineteenth century, in particular, his conclusion on the phylogenetic position of Heloderma, the only known venomous lizard at that time. Dugès's discussion is important in the context of a science dominated by Europeans and North Americans, putting this lizard in a modern phylogenetic context.

The tongue morphology and lingual gland histochemistry of Ligurian Sea odontocetes

The morphology and histomorphology of the tongue and the histochemistry of the lingual glands of eight specimens from four species of Ligurian Sea odontocetes (Stenella coeruleoalba, Tursiops truncatur, Grampus griseus, and Ziphius cavirostris) were studied. The shape of tongues and the appearance of their dorsal surfaces differed between species. The lingual glands differed in size, distribution, and histochemistry by species. In S. coeruleoalba and G. griseus, a strong alcianophilic mucous material was detected in the lingual glands, while neutral and acidic mucous substances were observed in the most proximal secretory acini. In G. griseus, small simple alveolar apocrine glands were also found, and the duct of the serous lingual glands in Z. cavirostris is of apocrine type. Numerous mechanoreceptors were observed. Only the tongue of the young specimens showed marginal papillae: their histomorphological composition is consistent with the hypothesis that they create a tight seal between the tongue and the roof of the cavity in order to create suction. This comparative study suggests that differences in tongue morphology and in the morphology and histochemistry of lingual glands might be related to feeding habits.