Filiform Papillae

The filiform papillae, or conical papillae, are the most numerous of the four main types of papillae, which are arranged in fairly regular rows running parallel to the central groove of the tongue. Some of these papillae have a simple conical form, while others have frilled tips, with each branch of the peak roughly conical. White discoloration or furring of the tongue - sometimes a symptom of disease elsewhere in the body - is caused by a buildup of filiform scales together with white blood...

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Anatomy Terms

Apex of Tongue
Bitter Taste
Epiglottis
Filiform Papillae
Foliate Papillae
Fungiform Papilla (cut)
Fungiform Papillae
Genioglossus Muscle
Geniohyoid Muscle
Intrinsic Muscles of the Tongue
Lateral Glossoepiglottic Fold
Lingual Glands
Lingual Tonsil (Side)
Lingual Tonsils
Median Glossoepiglottic Fold
Palatine Tonsils
Palatoglossal Arch and Palatoglossus Muscle
Salty Taste
Sour Taste
Sweet Taste
Taste Bud
Tongue
Vallate Papilla (Cut)
Vallate Papillae

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Full Filiform Papillae Description

[Continued from above] . . . cells. The main job of the filiform papillae is to act as an abrasive coating, which helps give the tongue a cleaning and rasping action. This action is complemented by the antibacterial action of some of the components of saliva.