Particular features of the innervation of taste buds of the epiglottis in monkeys.

The work is devoted to the study of the structure of the innervation apparatus of taste buds in the epiglottis of monkeys (Macacus rhesus). The Campos inpregnation method was used. It is established that several afferent myelinated fibers participate in the innervation of each taste bud of the epiglottis. The peculiarity of structure of their preterminal and terminal parts having the appearance of complex windings and spirals is noted. The polyaxonic principle of the innervation of taste buds of the epiglottis in monkeys is considered as a possible mechanism of generalization of the afferent impulses. It is suggested that the innervation apparatus of the taste buds of the epiglottis constitutes part of unique afferent system of this organ, ensuring its defensive function. The incongruity (from the histophysiological standpoint) of the term 'taste bud' in relation to the epiglottis is noted. It is proposed to call these formations special structures of the chemo-receptors.