Comparative studies of the dorsal surface of the tongue in three avian species by scanning electron microscopy.
The dorsal lingual surfaces of adult Blue-and-White Flycatcher, Hawfinch, and Japanese White-eye were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The tongue of the Blue-and-White Flycatcher shows a conical shape and a median groove is observed on the anterior lingual apex. The tongue of the Hawfinch shows a cuspid-like shape and a median groove and separation of the lingual apex are not observed. Many processes are observed in the tip of the tongue of the Japanese White-eye. Results of morphological studies indicate a close correlation between the shape of the tongue and the method of food intake, type of food, and bird's habitat.
Emura
Shoichi
S
Nursing Course, Gifu University School of Medicine, Gifu 501-1193, Japan. semura@gifu-u.ac.jp
Okumura
Toshihiko
T
Chen
Huayue
H
D000818:Animals; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D046369:Finches / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D020308:Songbirds / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013045:Species Specificity; D014059:Tongue / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*