Morphology of the lingual surface of South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) and sea lion (Otaria flavescens)

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to describe the morphological characteristics of the lingual papillae in two species of Otariidae family by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We used tongues of two South American Otariidae species. The tongues were elongated and terminated in bifid apex and there was no median sulcus on the dorsal lingual surface. The most numerous type of lingual papilla was filiform in the South American fur seal (SASL) and entire dorsal lingual surface was covered by these filiform papillae but the dorsal surface of the tongue of the South American sea lion was covered by numerous polygonal projections, which were different in size. Fungiform papillae were detected in only SASL and they randomly distributed on the lingual apex and body, and some fungiform papillae were collected into twosome or threesome groups on the posterior part of the lingual body. Circumvallate papilla was found in the center of the lingual radix of South American sea lion. Thread-like conical papillae were common for both species and they located on the lingual radix. We determined that lingual surface morphology was completely different in each species, although they were members of the same family, Otariidae.

Biological aspects of the tongue morphology of wild-captive WWCPS rats: a histological, histochemical and ultrastructural study

“…Studies that assessed the structure of the tongue in chosen mammals living in different habitats and receiving different diets have found there are species-specific morphological differences (Iwasaki and Miyata 1990 ; Chamorro et al 1993a , b ; Saber et al 2001 ; Jackowiak 2006 ; Toprak and Yilmaz 2007 ; Elsnasharty et al 2013 ; Yoshimura et al 2008 , 2013 ; Erdoğan et al 2015 , 2016 ; Goździewska-Harłajczuk et al 2015 , 2016 ; Akbari et al 2017 ).…”

Comparative examination of pinniped craniofacial musculature and its role in aquatic feeding

“…The pinniped tongue is a specialized part of the feeding apparatus. For example, the tongues of South American fur seals and sea lions have well‐developed papillary structures on the lingual surface that are used for manipulating and directing food to the upper digestive tract (Erdoğan et al, 2015 ). In walruses, the tongue generates negative pressure in the buccal cavity that is used to draw in water and prey during suction feeding (Gordon, 1984 ; Kastelein et al, 1991 ).…”

“…Broad descriptions of craniofacial muscle groups in the southern sea lion ( Otaria byronia ; Murie, 1872) and the Ross seal ( Ommatophoca rossi ; King, 1969 ); and 3. Descriptions of the tongue of South American fur seals ( Arctocephalus australis ) and sea lions ( Otaria flavescens ; Erdoğan et al, 2015 ) and the eye musculature of the Baikal seal ( Pusa sibirica ; Endo et al, 1998 ). With the singular exception of Erdoğan et al ( 2015 ), previous studies focused only on a single species, which was often represented by a single individual.…”

“…Descriptions of the tongue of South American fur seals (Arctocephalus australis) and sea lions (Otaria flavescens; Erdoğan et al, 2015) and the eye musculature of the Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica; Endo et al, 1998). With the singular exception of Erdoğan et al (2015), previous studies focused only on a single species, which was often represented by a single individual. The craniofacial musculoskeletal system is an integral part of the mammalian feeding apparatus (Hiiemae, 1967;Hiiemae & Crompton, 1985;Kienle et al, 2015;Konow et al, 2010;Naples, 1999).…”

Morphology of the Lingual Papillae in the Least Weasel (Mustela nivalis)

“…The papillae on the lingual surface were closely related to the animal diet and feeding habits (Iwasaki, 2002;Kumar & Bate, 2004;Erdogan et al, 2015). Much work has been published on the structures of the lingual surfaces in various animals.…”