Abstract
The tongue specimens were collected from Beni-Adi slaughterhouse, near Assiut. They were fixed by injecting 2.5% paraformaldehyde and 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 7.2 phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) through the lingual artery. Pieces of tissue from several areas bearing the lingual papillae were cut and prepared for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The Connective Tissue Core (CTC) of the filiform papillae was found to be in three forms, i.e. the filament-shaped, broad and pyramidal type.
The surface of the CTC of the conical papillae was studded with secondary process. Their apeces were bifurcated. The CTC of the fungiform papillae was also seen in the tongue-shape. At their base the CTC detached very large secondary papillae which were arranged in a scaly manner. The surface of the CTC of the vallate papillae (6-11 in number) was studded with different types of secondary processes which were completely different in shape, size and length.