An Attempt at Replication of Human Lingual Papillae Using a Replica Method with Epoxy Resin

Using low viscous silicone impression material, we made a mold of the dorsal surface of living human tongues and successfully made precise replicas of lingual papillae with epoxy resin. Following a paradium coating, the epoxy resin replica was examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the images were compared with close-up photographs of the dorsal surface of the same tongue. Distribution patterns of fungiform papillae of the apical surface of the tongue varied in each individual. In epoxy resin replicas, bundles of fine slender protrusions of filiform papillae as well as taste pores of fungiform papillae of both living and fixed human tongues became apparent and easily distinguishable under an SEM.