| This study was carried out to investigate the morphological development of the tongue in the foetal and prepubertal stages of Red Sokoto goats by light microscopy. In foetuses of about 50 days, the tongue tissues showed thickening of the epithelium into about 2-3 layers of cells. In fetuses of about 65 days, mesenchymal tissue was observed under the epithelium.Rudiments of some papillae were observed at this time. Collagenous fibre and blood vessels were scant in the lamina propria. In the 80-day-old foetuses, their was further differentiation of the epithelium rudiments into some papillae and this continued to mature until in foetuses of about 90 and 110 days, were early rudiments of taste buds were observed. Evidence of keratinization was apparent in the... |
