What Does the Papillae Do?

James H. Sterling
James H. Sterling
• • 6 min read

Papillae: Form and Function Papillae Are the Tiny Raised Protrusions on the Tongue That Contain Taste Buds. the Four Types of Papillae Are Filiform, Fungiform...

What Does the Papillae Do?

Papillae: Form and Function
Papillae are the tiny raised protrusions on the tongue that contain taste buds. The four types of papillae are filiform, fungiform, foliate, and circumvallate. Except for the filiform, these papillae allow us to differentiate between sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami (or savory) flavors.

What is papillae function?

Papillae (singular papilla) are nodules on the surface of the tongue that increase the surface area for the taste buds. Not all papillae, however, contain taste buds. The papillae also appear to aid in the mechanical handling of food, providing a rough surface.

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What is the function of papillae on the tongue?

Function. Lingual papillae, particularly filiform papillae, are thought to increase the surface area of the tongue and to increase the area of contact and friction between the tongue and food.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist
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James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.