382 MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY OF THE ORGANS. 



elongated cells, the peripheral ends of which usually are drawn 

 out into points which project into the gustatory pore. The 

 nucleus lies in the thickened part of the cell, and may be at 

 either end. 



2. The gustatory cells are much like the supporting cells in 

 appearance. They are long spindle-shaped cells, which are 

 thickened in the region of the nucleus. At the peripheral free 

 end each possesses a refractive hair-like structure which pro- 

 jects into the gustatory pore. 



FIG. 277. 



Taste pore 



^ - X^ ^ 



Epitheliui 



Taste but 





Tunica propria- 



Taste buds from the papilla foliata of a rabbit. X 850. 



Flat branched basal cells have been described by F. Her- 

 mann at the base of the taste buds. These have probably the 

 function of supporting cells. 



According to newer investigations (Retzius, Arnstein, 

 v. Lenhossek), the gustatory cells are connected with the 

 glossopharyngeal nerve only by contact. The branches of this 

 nerve form a network in the tunica propria, from which fine 

 bundles of fibres proceed to make up a subepithelial plexus. 

 Some of the nerve fibres, which are both medullated and 

 non-medullated, enter the taste buds, while others end be- 

 tween these structures. The intragemmal nerve fibres i. e. y 

 those entering the bud give off numerous branches which 

 surround the cells of the buds, particularly the gustatory cells, 



