Fine structure of the dorsal lingual epithelium of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix).

Abstract

The present investigation aimed to study the morphological characterizations of the dorsal lingual surfaces of common quail (Coturnix coturnix) by scanning electron microscopy. Ten adult common quail of both sexes were used in this study. The tongue of adult common quail is characterized by a triangular format. On the dorsal surface of the apex and body of the tongue a median groove is found. Large conical papillae are located symmetrically in the form of the letter V converging in the median line in the marginal region between the body and root of the tongue. An additional row, composed only of two larger papillae in each half, was observed behind the main row of papillae. On the dorsal surface of the epithelium of the lingual apex the desquamate cells of the keratinized epithelium present, whereas desquamate cells of non-keratinized epithelium densely cover the dorsal surface of the body of the tongue. There are topographical differences in the size, shape and appearance of these cells according to their location on the tongue. The dorsal surface of the root of the tongue presents smooth aspect. Neither the morphology nor the dimensions of the tongue show sex- specific differences.