Lingual papillae

The lingual papillae are projections of the mucous membrane found on the dorsal surface of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. They increase the surface area of the tongue and contribute to functions such as taste, food manipulation, and friction during mastication.

Types of lingual papillae

Four main types of papillae are recognised: filiform, fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae.

1. Filiform papillae

Filiform papillae are the most numerous and are slender, conical, keratinised projections that provide friction for manipulating food; they do not contain taste buds.

2. Fungiform papillae

Fungiform papillae are scattered mushroom-shaped structures on the tongue mucosa and contain taste buds on their superior surface.

3. Circumvallate papillae

Circumvallate papillae are large circular papillae arranged in a V-shaped row immediately anterior to the terminal sulcus.

4. Foliate papillae

Foliate papillae are leaf-like mucosal folds located along the lateral margins of the tongue and contain taste buds that are more prominent in children.

Innervation

Sensory innervation of the papillae anterior to the terminal sulcus is mainly through the lingual nerve (V3) for general sensation and the chorda tympani (CN VII) for taste, while circumvallate papillae are supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX).

Clinically, lingual papillae may become inflamed in conditions such as glossitis, and loss or alteration of papillae may affect taste sensation.