The goblet papillae, Also called circumvalate papillae, they are located on the back of the tongue, in the region closest to the throat. They are the largest lingual papillae and the most specialized as taste buds.
These papillae are so large that they can be seen with the naked eye, but they are also the least numerous in the lingual epithelium. They are found in a variable number, between 7 to 12, distributed in two lines in the shape of an inverted V.
All goblet papillae contain taste buds, which represent the functional unit of the sense of taste. These papillae, which are in very low number, contain approximately 40% of the total taste buds, becoming the most important papillae for detecting flavors..
The epithelial tissue that surrounds the taste buds tends to invaginate, forming a groove around them, in which the compounds that form food that have been dissolved in saliva are deposited, interacting with the receptors and triggering the process of transduction of taste signals.
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Goblet papillae, also called circumvallate, have the shape of an inverted truncated cone, with the apex down, attached to the epithelium of the tongue..
The widest part, which projects onto the surface of the tongue, exposed to the oral cavity, contains numerous secondary papillae or taste buds. For this appearance of chalice it has been assigned the name of goblet.
They are the largest lingual papillae, and their size can vary between 1.5 to 3 mm in diameter. The largest is located in the center, at the vertex of the V lingual. They are all highly vascular.
The goblet papillae are well defined in their space, raised above the mucosa and arranged symmetrically on both sides..
Each circumvallate papilla is surrounded by a non-keratinized squamous epithelium, which forms a horseshoe-shaped invagination.
Towards this deep circular groove-like cleft, which borders the circumvallate papilla, the taste buds are exposed on the outer walls, opening into the groove irrigated by the lingual salivary glands of Von Ebner.
The number of circumvalate papillae present in an individual can be influenced by sex, culture, and genetics. Generally, the number of taste buds on the circumvalate papillae ranges from 250 to 270, located on the lateral walls of the papillae..
Forming these buttons are two types of cells, some that border the structure and serve as support to the rest of the structure, and the second type that are sensory cells, which receive the stimulus and connect with nerve fibers to conduct the message to the brain.
A taste bud can contain 40 to 60 sensory cells within the stratified papillary epithelium.
With aging, the number of taste buds on the bypass papillae decreases. As a consequence, the ability to taste is also reduced. In addition, regular exposure to nicotine damages the taste buds, also affecting the sense of taste..
The circumvalate papillae are made up of several layers of cellular tissues. A layer of stratified and keratinized squamous epithelium is found on the superficial covering of the papilla..
Additionally, they are lined by a layer of non-keratinized epithelial cells on the lateral surface, and finally taste buds are found on the non-keratinized lateral surface and towards the center..
In the central region of the papillae there are connective tissues, and under this tissue are located secondary salivary glands, the Von Ebner glands..
The salivary glands of Von Ebner, of lingual location, produce serous secretions, which discharge into the sulcus that surrounds the goblet papillae. They are attributed an active role in sensory perception as well as maintenance and protection of the epithelium of the papillae.
All the cells that make up the papillae are continually replaced by proliferation of epithelial cells..
Due to their location, the goblet papillae are innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is the nerve present in the posterior third of the tongue. This nerve also involves the sensory, motor, and parasympathetic components of the region..
The circumvalate papillae are chemoreceptors. With contact with a substance that functions as a stimulus, they act as receptors that transmit that signal received from a chemical compound and transform it into an action potential that is transmitted to the nerve fibers to reach the brain..
Unpleasant flavors are identified with the circumvated papillae, before their passage to the digestive system via the throat. Thus, it is possible to restrict the intake of any substance that is poisonous or has a disgusting taste. They have also been attributed a role in contributing to the nausea and vomiting reflex..
Papillary hypertrophy and papillitis are benign processes. They can be a reason for consultation, for the patient's concern or for aesthetic problems, however, they usually do not represent a serious health problem.
The lingual papillae can be frequently altered, either due to diseases of the tongue or as a symptom of other underlying diseases. There are various types of papillary alterations, among which are:
The tongue appears swollen and inflamed, and there may be a depapilation of the tongue during which the lingual papillae are lost. This condition can cause difficulty in chewing and speaking, and usually presents with pain.
This is another clinical complication related to swollen papillae. In this situation, the papillae appear swollen.
The inflammation and enlargement of the papillae can be due to several causes, such as viral infections, medications, excessive consumption of spicy, very salty or hot food, mouth ulcers, consumption of toxic substances, allergies to certain foods, oral cancer, among other circumstances that can cause disorders
In papillitis of the circumvalate papillae, signs of hypertrophy are shown and they appear reddened. Routinely, hypertrophy appears due to the consumption of excessively hot food, or with very strong flavors (bitter, acid or salty). This condition is not of much pathological relevance.
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