Structural features and lamellar mechanoreceptors of the collared peccary’s tongue (Pecari tajacu, Linnaeus 1758)

Abstract

Collared peccaries are omnivorous mammalians well known for presenting a prominent skin gland, known as scent gland. We’ve previously described the histological organization of the palate and lip of this peccary and found several small and large lamellar corpuscles (Vater-Pacini corpuscle) mostly grouped in small aggregates distributed along its lamina propria-submucosa. Here, we described the anatomic structure and histological organization of the tongue of the collared peccary by means of light microscopy. The main features were the presence of a prominent rostral anterior salivary gland and the widespread presence of lamellar corpuscles that could contribute to the tactile function of the tongue.

Keywords

• Vater-Pacini corpuscle
• oral cavity
• suids.