Final answer:
Filiform papillae are the most abundant type of papillae on the human tongue, primarily involved in the mechanical aspect of food manipulation rather than taste.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of lingual papillae most abundant on the human tongue is the filiform papillae.
Filiform papillae are the most numerous and are long, thin structures that do not contain taste buds but are important for their mechanical role. They provide an abrasive surface that helps with the movement of food during mastication and are covered in stratified squamous epithelium. The presence of these papillae aids in the sensation of touch and helps in grooming for some animals, much like a cat's rough tongue. Unlike filiform papillae, fungiform papillae contain taste buds, are mushroom-shaped, and are located across the tongue, becoming larger toward the back. Similarly, foliate papillae and circumvallate papillae also contain taste buds and are involved in the sensation of taste. Foliate papillae are leaf-like and found in folds on the sides of the tongue, while circumvallate papillae are wall-like structures found in the shape of an inverted 'V' at the back of the tongue.
These papillae are long and thin and cover the surface of the tongue, creating an abrasive surface that helps to mechanically move food around in the mouth. They do not contain taste buds and are responsible for the sense of touch on the tongue.