Notes
Filiform
papillae of the tongue have keratinized
tips which form in the same way as the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Cells
accumulate keratohyalin, which hardens into keratin as the cells die. But
rather than occuring uniformly over the entire surface (as on skin), on the
tongue keratinization occurs in many tiny, separate patches, each of which creates
one papilla.
Note that each papilla has a core of lamina propria. In oblique sections this connective tissue can give the illusory appearance of isolated "islands" surrounded by epithelium.
Related examples:
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Comments and questions: dgking@siu.edu
SIUC / School
of Medicine / Anatomy / David
King
http://www.siumed.edu/~dking2/erg/GI064b.htm
Last updated: 14 January 2002 / dgk