Papille

Papille is a general term used in anatomy to denote small, nipple-like projections on tissues. In English, the corresponding term is papilla (plural papillae); in German and other languages, the form Papille is commonly used. These projections vary in size, location, and function, ranging from sensory structures to developmental tissue cores.

Dermal papillae are projections of the dermis that push into the epidermis. They increase the surface area for nutrient exchange and house capillaries and nerve endings, contributing to the skin’s nourishment and tactile sensitivity. The pattern of dermal papillae also helps form fingerprints, giving each individual a unique skin ridge pattern.

Lingual papillae are projections on the surface of the tongue. They include filiform papillae (mechanical texture, typically lacking taste buds), fungiform papillae (mushroom-shaped structures with some taste buds), circumvallate papillae (large, V-shaped rows containing many taste buds along their sides), and foliate papillae (folds on the sides of the tongue). Taste buds, which contain taste receptor cells, are located primarily on certain types of these papillae and contribute to the sense of taste.

Dental papilla refers to a mass of mesenchymal cells inside the developing tooth germ. It gives rise to dentin and the dental pulp, playing a crucial role in tooth formation and mineralization during embryonic development.

In the eye, the term papilla is used for the optic papilla (papilla nervi optici), the region where the optic nerve exits the retina, commonly known as the optic disc. It is a key anatomical landmark in ophthalmology.