form distribution seen in microvascular cast specimens of the filiform and fungiform papillae on the anterior central dorsal surface of the cat tongue

Summary Three-dimensional structures of the microvascular network of the filiform papillae (FiP) and fungiform papillae (FuP) on the cat tongue were observed by the corrosion cast method under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). FiP can be classified into five types, types I–V and FuP into four types, types I–IV according to the shape and size of the main process (MP) and the number of the accessory processes (AP) which are found on the anterior central dorsal surface. FuP (I–IV) were found to be distributed sporadically among FiP (I–V). Each of the types I–V of FiP were arranged the form of a ∧ in an oblique line running from the anterior central zone to the posterior peripheral zone in an orderly and geometrical fashion. Each of the types I–IV of FuP were scattered throughout in line of FiPs arranged in the form of a ∧, the point of which is directed at right angles towards the apex. FiP play an important role in the drinking of milk and water; holding, masticating and swallowing the food and, after mixing the food with saliva, in the transporting of the food mass towards the pharynx. The MP of FuP was considered to be a modified form of the MP of FiP of the cat tongue and to function as part of a sense organ for taste.