Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Department of Biosciences, Biological and Health Sciences Center, Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA), Avenida Francisco Mota, 572, Bairro Costa e Silva, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59625-900, Brazil.
Published: March 2024
AI Article Synopsis
Article Abstract
Morphological study of the tongue is an interesting way of understanding evolutionary processes associated with feeding habits. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe the tongue morphology of the Antillean manatee and to understand possible morphological relationships with its way of capturing food. Macroscopic dissections and light and scanning electron microscopy analyses of seven manatee tongues were performed. The tongue in Antillean manatees is a muscular and robust organ, divided into apex, body, and root. It is firmly adhered to the floor of the oral cavity. Lingual papillae were distributed over the entire tongue surface. They were identified as filiform papillae concentrated in the apex. Fungiform papillae were present on the apex and lateral regions. Foliate papillae were located on the dorsolateral portion of the root. Lentiform papillae were located across the dorsal tongue surface. The mucosa was lined by a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium presenting compound tubuloacinar glands and taste buds in the foliate papillae. The tongue of the Antillean manatee is similar to other Sirenia species, both of which share a completely herbivorous diet.
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Avenida das Baraúnas, 351, Bairro Universitário, 58429-500 Campina Grande, PB, Brazil. Electronic address:
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The biobanks from dermal biopsies represent an interesting strategy for biodiversity conservation. Nevertheless, the morphological and cellular patterns of the dermis can be influenced by the age and sex of the individual. Therefore, evaluating these factors is interesting for forming biobanks of Antillean manatees.
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Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Department of Biosciences, Biological and Health Sciences Center, Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA), Avenida Francisco Mota, 572, Bairro Costa e Silva, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, 59625-900, Brazil.
Morphological study of the tongue is an interesting way of understanding evolutionary processes associated with feeding habits. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe the tongue morphology of the Antillean manatee and to understand possible morphological relationships with its way of capturing food. Macroscopic dissections and light and scanning electron microscopy analyses of seven manatee tongues were performed.
