Abstract
Connective tissue cores (CTCs) of the lingual papillae of the lesser mouse deer Tragulus javanicus were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compared to those of other animals. The CTCs of the filiform papillae of the lesser mouse deer were structurally similar to those of the mountain goat Oreamnos americanus. The CTC of the long flat central papilla of the vallate papilla was covered with numerous small spines. The CTC of the foliate papillae appeared as ridges and grooves. An important finding was the presence of distinct and prominent foliate papillae on the posterolateral sides of the tongue.
