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  1. Filiform papillae. They let the tongue get a grip on material that would otherwise be too slippery. We have them as well, just not as many and usually not as pronounced. Essentially filaments of keratin, that which calluses are made of.
    There are conditions where the tongue becomes denuded. It is quite uncomfortable and it’s harder to eat because the tongue cannot manipulate the food as well.

    Coelacanth

    • Thank you, I was hoping someone would know what those where. Cats and most animals have more pronounced papillae than humans as this is how they lap water up where as human drink from their cupped hands or a glass. Human can suck water into their mouths where most animals cannot.

  2. It also functions as a comb for grooming.
    Unfortunately, the only good way to clear the hair on the tongue is to swallow it. Hairballs, anyone? This is why grooming indoor cats is such a good idea. Dogs, too!

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