Comparative morphological study on the tongue and lingual papillae of horses (Perissodactyla) and selected ruminantia (Artiodactyla).

This research paper conducts a morphological comparison of the tongues and lingual papillae of horses, Rocky Mountain goats, and cattle. Key findings suggest that horses’ tongue structure may be more primitive than that of goat and cattle, as seen in the characteristics of their vallate and filiform papillae.

Morphological Study on Tongue and Lingual Papillae

• The research critically examined the tongue structures of horses, Rocky Mountain goats, and cattle. The study highlighted that all three species have a well-developed lingual prominence (lingual prominence is a noticeable elevation on the tongue’s dorsal surface on the posterior area).

Comparison of Lingual Papillae

• The study observed differences in the presence of foliate papillae (leaf-shaped papillae on the side of the tongue) amongst the species. The horse had foliate papillae, but they were absent in the goat and cattle.
• The shape and structure of the filiform papillae (small protrusions on the tongue) also varied. The horse’s filiform papillae were long and slender with a thin CTC (a type of connective tissue). On the other hand, the goat and the cattle’s papillae consisted of a large and thick main process, with a connective tissue containing numerous rod-shaped protrusions.

Differences in Vallate Papillae

• Vallate papillae (larger circular-shaped papillae at the back of the tongue) numbers also significantly differed amongst the species. The horses had two large vallate papillae, while goats and cattle had 15 or more located at the posterior of the lingual prominence.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that the fine structure of horse tongues may be more primitive compared to goats and cattle, indicating species evolution over time. The morphological differences observed in the tongues and papillae of these animals could provide insights into their food habits, digestion process, and evolutionary lineage.