Fungiform papillae are mushroom-shaped papillae scattered among the filiform papillae, most numerous at the tip and sides of the tongue. They look like small red dots because of their rich blood supply. Each carries a few taste buds on its upper surface.
| Location | Anterior two-thirds of the tongue, concentrated at the tip and lateral margins |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Chorda tympani (CN VII, taste); Lingual nerve (CN V3, touch and temperature) |
| Blood Supply | Deep lingual artery |
Carry taste buds that detect tastes on the front of the tongue.
Taste from fungiform papillae is carried by the chorda tympani, so taste loss over the front of the tongue on one side can point to facial nerve or chorda tympani damage, for example in Bell palsy or middle ear surgery. People differ widely in fungiform papilla density, which partly explains differences in taste sensitivity.
Painful, swollen fungiform papillae, often called lie bumps, that usually settle within a few days.
Loss of taste on the front of the tongue on one side after middle ear surgery or Bell palsy, from injury to the nerve supplying the fungiform taste buds.
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