Nerve Endings in the Anterior Part of the Human Hard Palate

¹ Sections of Dentistry and Dermatology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota

The number, morphology, distribution, and histochemistry of nerve endings associated with the anterior part of the hard palate were studied in 40 persons. Fresh tissue consisting of an entire incisive papilla and one primary ruga was stained by the silver nitrate and the cholinesterase method. The number of nerve endings in this region was observed to decrease slightly with age. Morphologically, free nerve endings, hederiform nerve endings, and intraepithelial extensions were observed to enter the epithelium. Organized nerve endings are found in the papillary portion of the lamina propria, and seem best termed "mucocutaneous end organs." Non-specific cholinesterase is associated with the mucocutaneous end organ.