Abstract

The characteristics of surface of interface epithelium-connective tissue of the tongue and soft palate mucosa of the Macaca fuscata were studied employing the scanning electrón microscopio method after NaOH maceration. The palatine mucosa revealed high density of connective tissue papillae and ducts of salivary glands. In the soft palate can be observed several foramina representing openings of the duct of palatine salivary glands. Concentric arrangement of collagen fibrils around the duct was clearly seen. Each of the fungiform, filiform, folíate and valate papillae showed different forms of their connective tissue papillae. The connective tissue papillae of the fungiform papilla showed laminar or fíat lumpy projections evidencing bundles of collagen fibrils. The filiform papillae revealed single, bifurcated or trifurcated form and demonstrated small and long connective tissue secondary papillae. The foliate papillae showed parallel rows of connective tissue projections. The valate papilla presented the connective tissue papilla with several complicated secondary papillae.