Abstract
The lingual papillae and the connective tissue cores (CTCs) of the lesser panda Ailurus fulgens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Filiform, fungiform and vallate papillae were observed. A filiform papilla on the apical surface of the tongue had several pointed processes. Another filiform papilla contained the connective tissue core consisting of several small processes. A further filiform papilla of the lingual body consisted of a main papilla and one or two secondary papillae. Another filiform papilla contained the connective tissue core consisting of processes of various sizes. The fungiform papillae were round in shape. The connective tissue core of the fungiform papilla had a top with several round depressions. Five pairs of vallate papillae were located on both sides of the posterior end of the lingual body and each papilla was surrounded by a groove. A rough surface structure appeared on the connective tissue core of the vallate papilla. The foliate papillae were not observed.
