Question

Of the different types of papillae found on the tongue, which is found in the greatest number?

a) Fungiform
b) Filiform
c) Circumvallate
d) Foliate

Answer 1

Filiform papillae are found in the greatest number on the tongue and are responsible for the mechanical manipulation of food, although they do not contain taste buds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Of the different types of papillae found on the tongue, the type that is found in the greatest number is the filiform papillae. These are long and thin papillae that do not contain taste buds but have touch receptors to help move food around in the mouth. The top and sides of the tongue are studded with these papillae, creating an abrasive surface, and they are involved in the mechanical aspect of food manipulation, similar to a cat's tongue. In contrast, fungiform papillae contain taste buds and are mushroom shaped, whereas foliate papillae are leaf-like and contain numerous taste buds within their folds. The circumvallate papillae, which are in the shape of an inverted "V" at the back of the tongue, contain about 250 taste buds each.