Papillae (Papilla)

The term papillae (singular form papilla) is a term that has many uses in vertebrate physiology particularly in lower life forms. It is used to refer to nipple-like structures throughout the bodies of vertebrate beings: dental, interdental, renal, lacrimal, etc.

In humans the term papilla/papillae are most commonly used to refer to dermal papillae that are associated with hair follicles and and the four kinds of lingual papillae which are circumvallate, fungiform, filiform, and foliate papillae. These lingual papillae are located on the tongue and (with the exception of Filiform papillae) contain taste buds.