Age‐related ultrastructural features of the tongue of the rock pigeon Columba livia dakhlae in different three age stages (young, mature, and adult) captured from Egypt

Anatomical and Surface Electron Microscopic Investigation of the Tongue and Laryngeal Prominence in the Red-Eyed Turtle Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata, Rüppel 1837)

This study investigated the morphology of tongue and laryngeal structures in red-eyed dove and related it to feeding habits. Samples were examined using gross anatomy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and histological techniques. The tongue conformed to the shape of the lower beak, and the apex with a pointed tip, body, and root were distinguished. A median grove was apparent, and a papillary crest with pointed triangular papillae separated the body from the root. The length of the tongue, its width (body), and the percentage of the length of the lower jaw occupied by the tongue were, on average, 12.5 mm, 2.3 mm, and 57.3%, respectively. SEM showed highly desquamated dorsal epithelium with pointed papillae-like projections. The papillary crest presented pointed papillae of about 20-22. Salivary openings were apparent in the root, surrounded by mucosal folds and blunt papillae. Laryngeal prominence was irregularly triangular shaped and elevated. The rim of the glottis showed glandular pinpointed marks. Typical cornified multilayered mucosal epithelium was present in the apex and decreased caudally. Hyaline entoglossal cartilage and adjoining connective tissue were present in the body and apex. Numerous tubuloalveolar glands were seen in the body and root. The rim of the glottis showed mucous intraepithelial glands. The rostral and caudal lingual glands indicated positive reaction to neutral and acidic mucins. This study demonstrated a morphofunctional relationship of the tongue of a red-eyed dove to its diet.

Histology and immunofluorescent study of the pancreas in lovebird (Agapornis personatus)

BACKGROUND

Lovebird (Agapornis personatus) is a monotypic species of bird of the lovebird genus in the parrot family Psittaculidae and order Psittaciformes.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was designed to investigate the histology and immunohistochemistry of the pancreas in the lovebird.

METHODS

Totally, three adult birds were used. The pancreas was assessed using histological and immunofluorescent staining to detect insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and neuropeptide Y (NY).

RESULTS

The exocrine pancreas was composed of pyramidal acinar cells with zymogen granules at the apical cytoplasm. The endocrine pancreas was identified as large alpha, small beta and mixed islets of Langerhans. No intercalated duct was observed. Alpha cells with a density of 28.55% were the most numerous cell type, which were populated throughout the large islets, especially at the periphery. The beta cells with a density of 15.78% were accumulated mostly at the periphery of islets. The delta cells exhibited 17.81% intensity. Despite their lower density, the distribution of delta cells was like that of A cells throughout the islets. PP and NY cells were distinguished with densities of 14.69% and 20.63%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the arrangement of acinar cells, ductal systems and endocrine islets reflects patterns observed in various avian species, the absence of intercalated duct, the presence of three types of Langerhans islets as alpha, beta and mixed islets and the high expression of NY in the islets were some unique features observed in the current study. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of avian pancreas histology.

Characterization of the pancreas of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus): A light and transmission electron microscope study

The present work was carried out to investigate the structure and ultra structure of the pancreas in the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). Totally, five healthy adult pheasant were used. The pancreas was assessed using histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The pancreas was composed of four lobes: dorsal, ventral, third, and splenic lobes. These lobes emptied into ascending duodenum through three excretory ducts as: ventral duct, splenic duct, and a common duct for dorsal and third lobes. The exocrine pancreas was constituted of pyramidal-shaped acinar cells with aggregation of zymogen granules at their apical cytoplasm. The endocrine pancreas was identified as large islet of Langerhans as α islets and small islets as β ones. No mixed islet was observed. At the level of TEM, two types of acinar cells were distinguished: Dark cells with electron dense cytoplasm, and indented nucleus, Light cells with electron lucent cytoplasm, and regular nucleus. The α islets were mainly constituted by A and D cells, whereas the β islets principally contained B cells and a few A cells. No D cells were identified in β islets. B cells were characterized by their polymorphic granules which were surrounded by a narrow halo zone. The granules of D cells were quite different. These cells contained large spherical granules with lower density as compared to the A or B granules surrounded by a limiting membrane. In conclusion, the pancreas of the common pheasant has a species-specific feature which must be considered in phylogenic studies. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The common pheasant's pancreas was composed of four lobes as dorsal, ventral, third, and splenic lobe. There were three excretory ducts. Ventral duct for ventral lobe, a common duct for both dorsal and third lobes, and a distinct splenic duct for splenic lobe. The exocrine acini were composed of two distinct types of cells: dark cells and light cells. The large alpha islets were composed of alpha cells and a few numbers of delta cells and small beta islets were composed of beta cells and a few numbers of alpha cells.

Tongue of the Egyptian Endemic Bridled Skink (Heremites vittatus; Olivier, 1804): Gross, Electron Microscopy, Histochemistry, and Immunohistochemical Analysis

The present study used light and scanning electron microscopy to describe the integrative morphological description of the tongue and laryngeal mound of Heremites vittatus, an endemic lizard of Saharan Africa. Additionally, ultrastructure, histology, histochemistry, and immunohistochemical approaches were used to characterize the lingual apparatus adaptations. In the present study, Heremites vittatus consisted of a complex lingual papillary system in which the ventral apical surface of the foretongue comprised conical papillae. The dorsal surface consisted of different filiform papillary (papillae filiformes) types: the anterior section had two types (bifid and pointed), and the posterior section had four types (triangular, trifid, quadrifid, and pentafid) papillae. The dorsal midtongue surface exhibits scale-like, serrated filiform papillae with anterior gland openings. The hindtongue consisted of two overlapping filiform papillae: scale-like, board-serrated papillae on the median portion and finger-like papillae on the wings. The dorsal surface of the laryngeal mound had 18 longitudinal folds with glandular openings. Histologically, the foretongue was covered by a slightly keratinized layer that was absent in the mid- and hindtongue. The lingual glands were absent from the foretongue but present in the interpapillary space in the mid- and hindtongues. We observed a few rounded taste buds in the conical papilla epithelium. Histochemical analysis revealed strong glandular Alcian Blue (AB)-positive and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive reactions. Immunohistochemistry showed strong cytokeratin immunopositivity in all parts of the tongue. In conclusion, the obtained data about the lingual characterizations have been consistent with the active foraging behavior of the species and its environmental conditions.

Lingual papillary system of the Egyptian mouse-tailed bat (Rhinopoma hardwickii): New insights to its feeding strategies using scanning electron microscope, and immunohistochemical analysis of keratin

The current investigation described the ultrastructural and histological features of the lingual papillary system in 14 adult Rhinopoma hardwickii using scanning electron and light microscopy, and immunohistochemical staining of keratin. Three types of lingual papillae were recognized; one filiform mechanical and two gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate) of three directions: posterior, posteromedian, and median. Five filiform papillae subtypes were observed in four regions. The lingual tip had numerous giant filiform papillae. The lingual root was divided into two regions, an anterior papillary and a posterior non-papillary region that had only three circumvallate papillae in a triangular pattern. Histologically, the papillae exhibited detached thick keratin that spread over the dorsal epithelial surface. The dorsal surface of the root had stratified keratinized circumvallate papillae. Concerning the pan-cytokeratin (CK) antibody staining, moderate CK expression was observed in the superficial corneal layer of the apical lingual mucosa. While the superficial corneal cell layer in both body and root exhibited increasing of CK antibody. Morphometrically, there was a significantly increased, region-specific number of triangular, pointed filiform papillae, which were relatively increased in length and width. However, the round conical blunt filiform papillae and fungiform papillae were sparse. We concluded that our results showed distinguished adaptations in the lingual structure and its different papillae established on the nutritional and energetic demand of this bat species. This lingual adaptation is summarized in number, position, taste buds, direction, ultrastructural features, and histological that concerned with its ability in eating during the night flight.

Ultrastructural adaptation of the oropharyngeal cavity of the Eurasian common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus): Specific adaptive dietary implications

The present investigation represents the first morphological description of the oropharyngeal cavity of Eurasian common moorhen. Nine oropharyngeal cavities were examined grossly and by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations. The tongue had a rounded apex with multiple acicular processes on its rostral and lateral borders. The dorsal lingual surface of the apex and body had a median sulcus. The papillary crest carried four caudally directed triangular conical papillae on its median part and four triangular conical papillae on each lateral part. The filiform papillary system; small papillae on apex and long papillae on the rostral part of the body while broad papillae on the caudal part of the body. The lingual root had a special appearance by presence of three areas: mucosal fossa, two lateral ridges, and rhomboidal elevated central part. The caudal border of the mound carried heart-shaped pharyngeal papillae that possessed three papillary rows. The palate had a median palatine ridge rostrally that surrounded by two lateral palatine ridges. The choanae had two equal parts: rostral tapering and wide caudal. The rostral tapering choanal part was surrounded by two longitudinal rows of caudally directed conical papillae, one on each side. There was a single transverse row of conical papillae on each side of the caudal part of the rostral tapering choanal part. The caudal wide choanal part did not encircle by any papillae. Our conclusion exhibited unique structural and functional specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity with the tongue that evident with nutritional behavior.

A histological and immunohistochemical study on the parabronchial epithelium of the domestic fowl's (Gallus gallus domesticus) lung with special reference to its scanning and transmission electron microscopic characteristics

The current study was designed to give complete histo-and immunohistochemical features of the parabronchial epithelium of domestic fowl's (Gallus gallus domesticus) lung with special reference to Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and mean transmission electron microscope (TEM) features. The lung exhibited variable-sized atrial openings encircled by exchange tissue zones. The parabronchial atrial chambers appeared as ovoid and polygonal-shaped that separated by the well-developed interatrial septum. The deep atrial lumens had blood vessels pierced by openings that represent the infundibula. The parabronchial blood capillaries meshwork was branched and exhibited ovoid-shaped air capillaries with numerous extravasated blood vessels. By TEM, there were several air capillaries and groups of squamous and endothelial respiratory cells and the squamous cells had oval nucleus with evenly distributed chromatin. The endothelial respiratory cells had few microvilli on their free surfaces. The parabronchial tubes opened into a group of widened atria that had smooth muscle bundles at the interatrial septa. The atrial chambers led to narrow infundibula. Moreover, the lining epithelium of parabronchi, atria, infundibula, and air capillaries was formed by simple squamous epithelium. Air capillary walls were lined by two types of respiratory cells (Types-I and II). Collagen fibers were concentrated within the tunica externa layers of the parabronchial blood vessels as well as, they were observed in CT interparabronchial septa. Immunohistochemically, the elastin immunoreactivity was detected around the parabronchial blood vessels, at the base of each parabronchial atria, and in the area encircling the alveolar-capillary walls. Our work concluded that there are a relation between the fowl's lifestyle and the surrounding environmental conditions.

Biological aspects of the nasal turbinates of the Anatolian shepherd dog captured from Egypt: Using computed tomography, histological, and scanning electron microscopic observations

The current study was designed to describe the nasal turbinates of 15 heads of Anatolian shepherd dogs using the histology and scanning electron microscope. The caudal part of the nasal cavity is almost occupied by the ethmoidal concha that is related to the high dog's smelling. Keratinized stratified squamous epithelial lining of the rostral part of dorsal and ventral concha were interdigitated with the underlying lamina propria, with numerous sebaceous and sweat glands. The pseudostratified squamous epithelium lining of the middle part of the dorsal and ventral conchae had simple seromucous glands. The caudal third of dorsal, ventral, and ethmoidal conchae covered by olfactory epithelium that had three cell types; basal, supporting, and bipolar cells with mucous glands. SEM of the vestibular region shows that the dorsal conchae had a wrinkled surface with microvilli, little olfactory buds, and small sebaceous and sweat glands openings, while the ventral conchae had a lot of filiform-like microvilli. SEM of the respiratory region shows that the dorsal conchae had a little number of seromucous glands and a rosette-shape cilia, while the ventral conchae had numerous cellular cilia that cover all surface. SEM of the fundus region shows that the dorsal conchae had numerous microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells, while the ventral conchae had numerous long microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells. SEM of the ethmoidal nasal conchae shows a dense network of long microvilli of ciliated olfactory cells. We concluded that the morphological features of the dog's nasal turbinates were correlated with their environmental condition.

A combination of garlic oil and cooked chilli oil could be effective and efficient for pigeon production

This study was conducted to investigate whether the combination of garlic oil and cooked chilli oil is worth using for pigeon production in the context of a total ban on antibiotics in feed additives in China. Two hundred female white king pigeons aged 23 days were randomly divided into five groups with ten replicates (four birds each). In the 47 days trial, the control group was fed with a basal diet, treatment groups were given a basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg neomycin sulphate or 2 g/kg corresponding oil (garlic oil or cooked chilli oil or their mixture) respectively. The mixed oil showed obvious antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacterium and its minimal bactericidal concentration against St. aureus, Salmonella and Escherichia coli were all no more than 1.0 mg/ml. In the feeding experiment, pigeons feed with garlic oil with strong bacteriostatic activity had lower FCR and better protein metabolism, and chilli oil showed strong effects of promoting feed intake and weight gain on pigeons but increased serum glucose and lipid content. Compared with the control and the antibiotic group, the mixed oil got increased growth performance, less drip loss of meat, better protein metabolism promoting, and more complete intestinal structure of pigeon. In addition, the breast meat in the mixed oil group had higher total points in the sensory test. The mixed oil combined the strong bacteriostasis of garlic oil with the feeding promotion effect of cooked chilli oil, it improved the comprehensive performance of pigeons and had the feasibility to be popularized as a non-antibiotic strategy in pigeon production.

Histological, transmission electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical study of the adrenal gland in the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus)

This research was aimed to present the histological and ultrastructure properties of the adrenal gland in the Persian squirrel. Two male and female animals were included in the study. The adrenal gland was bean-shaped and located on the cranial pole of kidney. The enveloping capsule was dense connective tissue that reacted positively with Periodic-Acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson trichrome stainings. The parenchyma of the gland consisted of two-part, namely cortex and medulla; the cortex had three layers: zona glomerulosa (ZG), zona fasciculata (ZF), and zona reticularis (ZR). The cells of the ZG were mainly spherical and ovoid with circular arrangement and few lipid droplets in TEM micrographs. The cells of the ZF were columnar and spherical that were arranged in cord-like rows. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated conspicuous lipid droplets and mitochondria in this zone. The cells of the ZR were arranged in a tangled networks and were almost similar to those in the ZF. TEM images showed fewer lipid vesicles in the ZR compared to the ZF and ZG. Chromaffin cells were located in the medulla of the adrenal gland in two layers. TEM images showed that some of them were smaller and contained fewer secretory granules; other cells were larger and contained more electron-dense secretory granules. Immunofluorescence staining showed that steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) expressed from cortex to the corticomedullary junction (CMJ) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressed in the medulla. In conclusion, the results indicated both similarities and differences between the adrenal gland of the Persian squirrel and other animals such as mammals and rodents.

Posthatching ultrastructural development of the oropharyngeal cavity roof in five age-stages of Coturnix coturnix (Linnaeus, 1758)

Recent literature has demonstrated only adult avian palate, albeit there has been only limited focus on the postnatal development of the avian oropharyngeal cavity roof. Hence, the current investigation was designed to obtain the full ultrastructure postnatal description of the oropharyngeal roof during the five developmental age-stages of Coturnix coturnix by employing assessments using gross morphometric analysis and stero and scanning electron microscopy. The elongated triangular oropharyngeal roof has a spoonful rounded beak tip. The palate region is subdivided into the rostral ridged area and the choanal area. The palate has eight longitudinal palatine ridges (seven nonpapillated and one papillated median) and four transverse papillary rows (one slightly oblique row and three transverse papillary crests). The median palatine ridge continuous caudally and is then divided into three ridges: one median and two paramedian ridges (forming the lateral boundaries of the choanal field). The choanal field had three regions (rostral, middle, and caudal). The finger-like projection papillary region has five papillae. The choanal cleft has two unequal parts (rostral and caudal). The rostral nonpapillated short choanal part is subdivided by transverse papillary row into rostral narrow straight and caudal diamond portions. The caudal wide papillated choanal part is further divided by a second transverse crest into rostral long (encircled by interdigitated papillae) and caudal short wider part (not encircled by interdigitated papillae). The infundibular cleft is not bordered by any papillae, while the pharyngeal region has numerous papillae and openings of the salivary glands. Moreover, the morphometric analysis revealed a higher value with increasing age for all dimensions. Our findings indicated a higher degree of functional adaptation between the five developmental age stages of quail. Our observations suggest that adaptations such as these may increase the efficiency of food prehension with increasing age.

Biological Aspects of the Tongue and Oropharyngeal Cavity of the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto, Columbiformes, Columbidae): Anatomical, Histochemical, and Ultrastructure Study

We characterized the morphological and anatomical adaptations of the lingual microstructures of the Eurasian collared dove and discussed their implications for its dietary niche. We analyzed tongues of nine S. decaocto using histological, histochemical, stereomicroscopic, and scanning electron microscopic techniques. Our findings showed that the tongue is relatively short with a tapered apex that carries a terminal lingual nail. However, the lingual body has median scales and is bordered laterally by filiform papillae. Further, the tongue body bears a distinctive papillary crest. The tongue root is nonpapillate and infiltered with orifices of the posterior salivary glands. The bulky laryngeal mound has a circular glottic fissure, carrying a single row of papillae at the rear edge. Concurrently, our histological and histochemical findings demonstrate that the tongue has taste buds, anterior and posterior salivary glands, along with an elongated entoglossum that extends from lingual apex to root. Besides, ovoid and globular mucous glands displayed intense alcianophilic reactions. More substantially, the palate is made up of three palatine ridges with a caudal choanal cleft that was bounded by two rows of palatine papillae. Our data indicate multiple and novel structural variations for the lingual and palatal sculptures coopted for their feeding style.

Posthatching developmental studies on the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix, Linnaeus, 1758) in different five age-stages

The present study represents the first trial to characterize the ultrastructural of five ages of Coturnix coturnix. Lingual nail had membrane that differ in number among five studied ages. Filiform papillary system had four caudally directed papillae types; small (apex, rostral, and median part of body in 1 day, body in 10 and 20 days), long (apex and rostral part of body in 10 days, tip and two lateral area in 20, 30, 40-days, lateral border in 1 and 10 days, two lateral area of body in 40 days), broad (median area of body in 20, 30, 40 days). Scales on the ventral surface of apex, mound. Lingual sulci on the apex and body without reaching tip in 10, 20, 30, 40-days while, in 1 day the body had ridge caudally. Three papillae on posterior part of lateral border of body. W-shape crest had papillae on its median part while, its lateral part had two giant papillae on each side. Dorsal giant papillae terminated caudally with six processes, while ventral papillae terminated caudally with three processes. The unique root appearance, at 1 day had four papillae while in 10-day, it had one papilla however in 20, 30, 40 days, it had T-shaped ridge. Mound had one longitudinal row on each side of cleft and two transverse papillary rows at its caudal border and additional row at 40-days. Our findings exposed unique structural and functional characterizations of lingual and laryngeal entrance that reflected with feeding behavior.

Morphogenesis of the New Zealand white rabbit tongue (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The current study was designed to describe the prenatal developmental stages of the rabbit tongue. Thirty-five embryos of prenatal ages (E16, E19, E23, E25, E28, and Postnatal) were obtained from New Zealand white (NZW) rabbit. The primordia of the tongue were observed on the foundation as early as day 16 prenatal age (E16). The first primordia of lingual papillae were observed that including the primordia of circumvallate papillae at day 19 prenatal (E19). Thickenings of lingual epithelium developed at 19 day prenatal of embryo. At day 23-25 pc, the presence of primordia of foliate papillae was shown in addition to primordia of the fungiform and filiform papillae were found. The development of the final shape of the tongue is a longstanding process that occurs during the prenatal and postnatal life. The first primordia of gustatory papillae appear, and only later primordia of mechanical papillae are formed. In conclusion, the morphogenesis of the tongue and its lingual papillae discussed its herbivorous nature of feeding.

Gross morphological, histological and scanning electron specifications of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow (Corvus cornix pallescens)

The present study was carried out on the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow to investigate the gross and microscopic structures via gross anatomy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The gross anatomy clarified the elongated triangular shape of the oropharyngeal cavity with a non-protruding tongue with a bifid apex. The lingual body contained median groove rostrally and separated caudally from the root by a transverse papillary crest. The laryngeal mound located posterior to the lingual root, contained midline laryngeal cleft and bounded caudally by a transverse row of pharyngeal papillae. The palate contained choanal cleft rostrally and infundibular slit caudally in addition to five palatine ridges. By light microscopy, the dorsal lingual epithelium was highly keratinised stratified squamous with a lingual nail in the most rostral part of the apex. Then, the thickness of the keratin layer decreased caudally, while in the ventral surface, the lining epithelium became non-keratinised. The entoglossum supported the lingual body and root, but not extended to the apex. The lining epithelium of the palate was also keratinised stratified squamous and became none-keratinised at the oral side of the choanal cleft. There were numerous lobules of polystomatic salivary glands in the lingual root and the palate. SEM revealed the arrangement of different types of papillae covering both the floor and the roof of the oropharynx besides numerous openings of salivary glands in the lingual root, laryngeal mound and the palate. These findings reflect the functional relationship of the oropharyngeal cavity of the hooded crow during feeding.

Comparative morphological study of the oropharyngeal floor of squabs and adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica)

The current study compared the morphological features of the oropharyngeal floor of squabs and adult domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica). Samples from the oropharyngeal floor of both squabs and adult pigeons were collected directly after slaughtering. The collected samples were examined grossly, morphometrically, and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The lower beak had triangular shape with pointed rostral end. The tongue did not fill the entire oral floor in squabs as well as adult pigeons. The lingual apex of squabs had a small lingual nail while that of the adult pigeons had a well-developed lingual nail. The lingual body was separated from the lingual root by a transverse papillary crest, which was "V" shaped in squabs but "U"-shaped in adult pigeons. Filiform papillae were distributed on the dorsal surface of lingual apex, as well as, body, but were absent on the root. The lingual root presented fine elevations and low projections in squabs and adult pigeons, respectively. On the other hand, the tongue of adult pigeons had larger number of the lingual salivary glands openings compared to that of squabs. In addition, the edges of the glottis had numerous small projections in squabs bur presented large dome-shaped papillae in adult pigeons. Moreover, adult pigeons had longer pharyngeal papillae at pharyngoesophageal junction than those of squabs. In conclusion, these variations suggest that adult pigeons adapted well to their diet, which might reflect higher efficiency of food prehension.

Anatomical, histological and immunohistochemical study of the tongue in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) is a fish commercially farmed all over the world. These fish are usually fed, in aquaculture, with pellets rich in proteins and fat. It is well known that there are close relationships among the adaptation of vertebrates to their environment, the capacity and the modality of feeding and the oral cavity morphology, especially the tongue one. No data are so far available about the morphology of the rainbow trout tongue, and therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate by light, scanning electron and confocal laser microscopy, the morphological characteristics of the tongue. An apex, a body and a root can be distinguished in the tongue, and the presence of teeth, taste buds and fungiform-like papillae was demonstrated. Light microscopy shows the presence of an adipose tissue pad in the deeper layer of the apex and in the most superficial layer of the root. In the deeper layer of the body, a triangular-shaped pad consisting of fusiform cells immersed in abundant extracellular matrix of the mesenchymal tissue was observed. The confocal laser microscopy shows the presence of cells with a fibroblast-like morphology positive for vimentin. In the deepest layer of the tongue root, a large area of osteo-cartilaginous tissue was observed. The results, besides the description of the morphological characteristics of the tongue, related to studies regarding the feeding, could be considered for the eventual applications of the use of mesenchymal cells, observed in adult fish, in cell therapies in different pathologies.