page_title: Lingual papillae
section_title: Fungiform papillae
hierarchical_section_title: Lingual papillae / Structure / Fungiform papillae
caption_attribution_description: Section of a fungiform papilla. Magnified.
context_page_description: Lingual papillae are the small, nipple-like structures on the upper surface of the tongue that give it its characteristic rough texture. The four types of papillae on the human tongue have different structures and are accordingly classified as circumvallate, fungiform, filiform, and foliate. All except the filiform papillae are associated with taste buds.
context_section_description: The fungiform papillae are club shaped projections on the tongue, generally red in color. They are found on the tip of the tongue, scattered amongst the filiform papillae but are mostly present on the tip and sides of the tongue. They have taste buds on their upper surface which can distinguish the five tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. They have a core of connective tissue.  The fungiform papillae are innervated by the seventh cranial nerve, more specifically via the submandibular ganglion, chorda tympani, and geniculate ganglion ascending to the solitary nucleus in the brainstem.
caption: Fungiform papillae, magnified and sectional diagram.
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