Tongue Epithelium — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Keratinised stratified squamous epithelium
Filiform papillae are covered by keratinised stratified squamous epithelium, so C is correct. Their keratinised surface provides mechanical resistance during mastication and manipulation of food. The wording is limited to filiform papillae because the dorsal tongue is histologically heterogeneous: the degree and pattern of keratinisation vary across papillary surfaces, and interpapillary epithelium may be non-keratinised or incompletely keratinised. Non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium is therefore not the characteristic covering of filiform papillae. Pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium is respiratory epithelium, simple cuboidal epithelium commonly lines small ducts, and transitional epithelium is specialised for distension in the urinary tract.
Reference: Toyoda M, Sakita S, Kagoura M, Morohashi M. Electron microscopic characterization of filiform papillae in the normal human tongue. Archives of Histology and Cytology. 1998;61(3):253–268. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9756102/