Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of the Lingual Papillae in the Anatolian Water Buffalo

The purpose of this study was to describe the surface structure of the lingual papillae in Anatolian Water Buffaloes using SEM. Six male Anatolian Water Buffaloes were used. Filiform, lentiform and conical papillae were determined three types as mechanical papillae. Fungiform and vallate papillae were observed two types as gustatory papillae on the tongue in Anatolian Water Buffalo. The filiform papillae were observed on the apex and body of the tongue, besides randomly identified lateral surface of the body. The conical papillae differed from the filiform papillae with its larger size and non existence of the secondary papillae. The fungiform papillae was round in shape and mushroom-like, scattering among the filiform papillae on the dorsal surface of the apex, body and the root of the tongue. The fungiform papillae's taste pores and creter-like structure were determined. The lentiform papillae were determined in two types. The borders of the cells and the micro-pitted appearance were defined at the lentiform papillae. In the vallate papillae bud fosse and a thick annular pad was found. These differences on the morphological structures of the lingual papillae were considered to be related to genetic diversity.