Fungiform papilla

Fungiform papillae are one of the four types of papillae found on the human tongue. They are mushroom-shaped and are located on the tip and sides of the tongue. They are involved in the perception of taste and have taste buds on their upper surface.

Anatomy

Fungiform papillae are round, mushroom-shaped structures that are found on the surface of the tongue. They are scattered amongst the filiform papillae which are the most numerous papillae on the tongue. Fungiform papillae are larger and less numerous than filiform papillae. They are easily recognizable due to their red color, which is due to the presence of a rich supply of blood vessels.

Function

The primary function of fungiform papillae is taste perception. They contain taste buds on their upper (dorsal) surface which can recognize the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. Each taste bud is composed of specialized taste receptor cells which can detect different types of tastes. When food substances come into contact with these taste buds, they trigger signals that are sent to the brain via the glossopharyngeal nerve and the chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve.

Clinical significance

Changes in the number and size of fungiform papillae can be indicative of certain medical conditions. For example, an increase in the number of fungiform papillae can be seen in Geographic tongue, a benign condition characterized by a map-like appearance of the tongue. On the other hand, a decrease in the number of fungiform papillae can be seen in conditions like Burning mouth syndrome, where patients experience a burning sensation on the tongue.

See also

• Taste bud
• Filiform papillae
• Circumvallate papillae
• Foliate papillae