Anatomical, neurohistological and histochemical observations on the tongue of Francolinus pondicerianus (grey partridge or safed teeter).

The staining and demonstration of neural elements in relation with other associated structures was most satisfactory at pH 5.2, incubation period 20 h, and temperature 40degreesC. Ganglia of various shape and size were observed on or near the fungiform, filiform and foliate papillae. In the region of the fungiform papillae, a chain of ganglia (parasympathetic) was observed. The nerve cells of these ganglia showed cholinesterase (ChE) activity. The neural networks of the foliate papillae were connected with the neural terminal network and occasionally to the ganglia. The innervation of blood vessels (artery and vein) was profuse. At times ganglia were noticed on the periphery of the artery. Neuromuscular spindle-like structures were noticed occasionally. Dot-like free nerve endings were also observed. The ChE activity was very marked in the muscle fibres lying in the region of the circumvallate papillae but was less marked in the muscle fibres lying in the region of the filiform and fungiform papillae.