SEM Studies on the Tongues of the Canada and Egyptian Geese

Abstract

The lingual surfaces and connective tissue cores (CTCs) of Canada and Egyptian geese were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tongues of Canada and Egyptian geese were elongated with a spatula-ended apex. A distinct median groove was observed in the lingual apex and body. At a point approximately 2/3 of the length of the tongue, between the lingual body and root, there were giant conical papillae, the apices of which were pointed towards the posterior part of the tongue. There were numerous hairlike and large conical structures on the lateral surfaces of the lingual bodies. In the Canada goose, the large and thread-shaped processes are observed in the lateral surface of the anterior lingual body. In the Egyptian goose, many thread-shaped processes are observed in the lateral surface of the anterior lingual body. The openings of the lingual glands were observed on the lateral sides of the lingual bodies. The lingual dorsal surfaces of the Canada and Egyptian geese had a structure similar to that of the spot-billed duck.