Abstract：
Morphological study of the tongue is an interesting way of understanding evolutionary processes associated with feeding habits. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe the tongue morphology of the Antillean manatee and to understand possible morphological relationships with its way of capturing food. Macroscopic dissections and light and scanning electron microscopy analyses of seven manatee tongues were performed. The tongue in Antillean manatees is a muscular and robust organ, divided into apex, body, and root. It is firmly adhered to the floor of the oral cavity. Lingual papillae were distributed over the entire tongue surface. They were identified as filiform papillae concentrated in the apex. Fungiform papillae were present on the apex and lateral regions. Foliate papillae were located on the dorsolateral portion of the root. Lentiform papillae were located across the dorsal tongue surface. The mucosa was lined by a keratinized stratified squamous epithelium presenting compound tubuloacinar glands and taste buds in the foliate papillae. The tongue of the Antillean manatee is similar to other Sirenia species, both of which share a completely herbivorous diet.
摘要：
舌头的形态学研究是理解与摄食习惯相关的进化过程的一种有趣的方式。因此,本研究的目的是描述Antillean海牛的舌头形态，并了解其捕获食物的方式可能的形态关系。对七个海牛舌头进行了宏观解剖以及光学和扫描电子显微镜分析。Antillean海牛的舌头是肌肉强壮的器官，分为顶点，身体,和根。它牢固地粘附在口腔的地板上。舌乳头分布在整个舌表面。它们被鉴定为集中在顶端的丝状乳头。在先端和外侧区域存在真菌状乳头。叶酸乳头位于根的背外侧部分。叶状乳头位于舌背表面。粘膜由角化的分层鳞状上皮衬里，在叶状乳头中呈现复合肾小管泡腺和味蕾。Antillean海牛的舌头与其他Sirenia物种相似，两者都有完全草食性的饮食。
