Filiform Papillae — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: B — Filiform papillae
Filiform papillae are the most numerous papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue. They are keratinised, mechanically specialised structures that create a rough surface for gripping and manipulating food, and they do not contain taste buds. Fungiform papillae are scattered among them, particularly on the anterior tongue, and are classified as gustatory papillae. Circumvallate papillae are relatively few and lie in a V-shaped row anterior to the sulcus terminalis, while foliate papillae form posterolateral folds; both contain taste buds. Therefore, the combination of greatest abundance and absence of taste buds identifies filiform papillae.
Reference: Spence C. The tongue map and the spatial modulation of taste perception. Current Research in Food Science. 2022;5:598-610. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22186069/