Scanning electron microscopic study of the tongue in the Japanese pygmy woodpecker (Dendrocopos kizuki).

The dorsal lingual surfaces of adult Japanese pygmy woodpecker (Dendrocopos kizuki) were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The tip of the tongue become sharp and the shape of the tongue showed spear-like structure. In both lateral sides of anterior lingual apex, some conical processes were observed. The epithelium of the surface of the anterior lingual apex was inclined toward the posterior of the tongue. In the posterior part of the lingual apex, there were many needle processes, the apices of which were pointed towards the posterior part of the tongue. There were not the large conical papillae in border region between the lingual body and root. The dorsal surface of the lingual body presented smooth aspect and in both lateral sides of the root of the lingual body, a pair of openings of the lingual glands was observed. The needle processes were observed on the dorsal surface of the lingual root and laryngeal mound. There were observed many large conical papillae on the posterior end of the laryngeal mound.