Number and distribution of ganglion cells in the vallate papilla of adult human.

We examined the number and distribution of ganglion cells within a vallate papilla from a healthy human adult. The vast majority of cell bodies were located near the base of the papilla, clustered in the central portion of its core immediately above underlying muscles and von Ebner's glands. Neurons appeared to be of one morphological type with ovoid cell bodies and spherical nuclei. The possible functional significance of their presence in invaginated or trench-containing gustatory papillae is discussed.