Postnatal Developmental Study of Rabbit Tongue Using light and Scanning Electron Microscopy

the tongue is a well-developed muscular organ that functions in mastication, deglutition, speech and taste. It is composed principally of muscles and glands but also includes connective tissue, fat, blood vessels and nerves.Objectives:This work aimed to study the postnatal developmental changes of the rabbit tongue papillae by using the light and scanning electron microscopy.Methods 25 rabbits in different ages (1day, 10days, 1month, 2months and 4months) were used in this study. The light and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine their tongues.Results:The younger ages of the rabbit tongues are covered by rounded filiform papillae with slightly thin keratin layer. The fungiform papillae are mushroom in shape. The circumvallate papillae appear as a horseshoelike profile surrounded by partially opened furrows. The foliate papillae are consisted of slightly elevated ridges and slightly depressed furrows. The papillary wall is lined by immature taste buds without taste pore. By increasing the age of the rabbit tongue, the filiform papillae become conical in shape with thick keratin layer. The fungiform papillae acquire increase in their size with visible taste pore in the central region of their tops. The circumvallate papillae become surrounded by opened furrows with mature taste buds lining their walls. The ridges of the foliate papillae become more elevated and the furrows become deeper.Conclusion:There are changes in the morphology and development of the rabbit lingual papillae and its keratinization postnatally. In addition, the taste buds get its maturation at the age of one month. These changes are most probably due to changes of the rabbit nutritional habits.