Fine structure of the dorsal lingual epithelium of the Japanese lizard, Takydromus tachydromoides.

The histology and the ultrastructure of the dorsal lingual epithelium of the Japanese lizard, Takydromus tachydromoides, were investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy. The epithelium of the anterior and middle portions of the tongue showed "orthokeratinization," being composed of a thick layer of keratinized cells. The epithelium of the posterior portion of the tongue showed "parakeratinization" and "nonkeratinization." Most of the nonkeratinized cells contained large numbers of secretory granules.