The distribution and three-dimensional structure of the lingual papillae were
studied by means of scanning electron microscopy. The elongated tongue in the
bank vole is about 12 mm in length and about 3 mm in width. The characteristic
features of the tongue are the median sulcus on the apex of the tongue, considerable
narrowing in the body of the tongue and a well developed intermolar
prominence. On the surface of the apex and body of the tongue three morphological
types of the filiform papillae and fungiform papillae were observed. The
intermolar prominence of the tongue is covered with conical and saw-like filiform
papillae. On the posteriolateral margin of the intermolar prominence two
foliate papillae were found.
A single oval vallate papilla was situated in the median line of the anterior part
of the root of the tongue. The posterior part of the lingual root is flat without
papillae. The distribution and types of the lingual papillae found in the bank
vole are similar to those in species of the Microtinae family
