Macroscopic, Histological and Ultrastructural Features of the Tongue of the Anatolian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa libycus)

Abstract

This study provides a detailed characterization of the macroscopic anatomy and microscopic features (light and scanning electron microscopy) of the lingual papillae in the adult Anatolian wild boar (Sus scrofa libycus). Tissue samples were taken from two adult wild boars found dead in their natural habitat within an average of 1.5 h. Following macroscopic observation, samples underwent routine histological processing, histochemical staining, and high-resolution surface morphology analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphological analysis revealed five distinct types of papillae: filiform, fungiform, conical, foliate, and vallate. Filiform papillae, exhibiting either sharp or blunt apices, showed structural adaptations specialized for mechanical function. Fungiform papillae were identified in circular and oval forms; notably, taste buds were restricted to the circular type. Foliate papillae, comprising 3-5 distinct folds, lacked taste buds. A pair of vallate papillae, each demarcated by a prominent trench and housing lateral taste buds, was observed on the caudal tongue. Histochemical evaluation using Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian Blue (AB) confirmed the presence of both neutral and acidic mucins within the lingual glands. These findings suggest that the lingual morphology of the Anatolian wild boar is closely adapted to its specific dietary habits and ecological niche. This data serves as a critical baseline for comparative anatomy, forensic veterinary medicine, and future morphological research.