Abstract
The present study aimed at investigating the histological structures of the vallate papillae of the tongue of the dromedary camel. Samples were taken from the tongues of 5 healthy adult dromedary camels, then processed by standard routine histological technique. The vallate papillae were broad, encircled by a distinctive sulcus, and exhibited concave dorsal surfaces. The papillae were covered with stratified squamous epithelium which was made up of several layers of cells arranged from the basement membrane to the outer surface as follows: basal layer; spinosum layer; squamous layer; corneum layer. The lamina propria sub mucosa showed two well-defined layers. The first one was located beneath the epithelium and characterized by loose connective tissue. The second layer was much thicker and composed mainly of dense irregular collagenous fibres. Deep to the circumvallate papilla was a group of prominent tubulo-acinar glands (von Ebner’s glands). The main ducts of the glands opened directly into the surrounding sulcus at different levels. In general, the histological structures of the vallate papillae of the dromedary camel were similar to those of other domestic mammals. The well-developed von Ebner’s glands suggested their abundant serous secretion that reflected on the high capability of gustation.