The distribution and structure of the lingual papillae on the tongue of the bank vole Clethrinomys glareolus

Abstract

The distribution and three-dimensional structure of the lingual papillae were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy. The elongated tongue in the bank vole is about 12 mm in length and about 3 mm in width. The characteristic features of the tongue are the median sulcus on the apex of the tongue, considerable narrowing in the body of the tongue and a well developed intermolar prominence. On the surface of the apex and body of the tongue three morphological types of the filiform papillae and fungiform papillae were observed. The intermolar prominence of the tongue is covered with conical and saw-like filiform papillae. On the posteriolateral margin of the intermolar prominence two foliate papillae were found.
A single oval vallate papilla was situated in the median line of the anterior part of the root of the tongue. The posterior part of the lingual root is flat without papillae. The distribution and types of the lingual papillae found in the bank vole are similar to those in species of the Microtinae family.