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Circumvalate Papillae

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Circumvallate papillae are the largest and least common type of papilla on the tongue. They are set into the tongue surface and encircled by a deep cleft (arrow). The stratified epithelium lining the papillary wall of the cleft contains numerous taste buds. Aggregations of serous glands, called von Ebner's glands, open into the base of the circumvallate clefts secreting a watery fluid which dissolves food constituents. This is believed to facilitate taste reception. Also visible in this slide is some of the complex musculature underlying the surface of the tongue.