A total of 10 tongues of the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes fulva) were used in this study. Material came from animals of both sexes and was collected after they were slaughtered. Tissues collected from the ventral surface of the apex and the lateral surfaces of the body of the tongue were examined under a light microscope. Additionally morphometric analysis of the thickness of the epithelium was performed. As a result of the performed observations it was found that the surface of the mucous membrane on the apex of the tongue is plicated, while on the body of the tongue it is smooth. The epithelium covering the ventral surface of the apex and the lateral surfaces of the body of the tongue in the silver fox is nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The epithelium formed numerous streaks of various length, which grew into the connective tissue. The epithelium covering the ventral surface of the apex of the tongue was thicker than on the lateral surfaces of the body of the tongue. No statistical differences were found for the analyzed traits. Lamina propria of the mucosa formed numerous connective tissue papillae, which were distributed among the epithelial streaks. The elastic fibers were arranged primarily transversely to the long axis of the tongue.

63-68