Functional morphology of the tongue of lizard Salvator merianae (Reptilia: Squamata)

Abstract

The reptilian tongue has morphological and functional variations according to the feeding mechanisms and habitat of the species. This study aimed to understand the morphofunctional characteristics of the tongue of the lizard Salvator merianae, through anatomical, histological and scanning electron microscopy analyses. This study involves five adult animals, which were collected in the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, from Brasil. The tongue of S. merianae was protractile and bifid, important to drive molecules from the environment to the vomeronasal organ and thus identify odors and locate prey, besides being strongly muscular and with keratinized and pigmented stratified epithelium for protection. Mucous secretion was present as an important tool for lubrication and protection in view of the protrability of the tongue and the great presence of bacteria. Morphological specialization of the S. merianae tongue reflect its direct participation in food assimilation, with squamiform papillae for the mechanical function of maintaining prey in the oral cavity and contributing to swallowing. Taste buds were not found, which excludes the tongue participation in the taste, although it has olfactory sensory function in association with the vomeronasal organ.