Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Papillary
Introduction
A papilla (plural: papillae) can be:
- A small projection, such as a nipple-like projection on the skin, at the base of a hair or the root of a feather; the base of a new tooth.
- A pimple or blister
- An interdental papilla is the part of the gingiva located between teeth.
- Dental papilla
- Renal papilla
- Lacrimal papilla
- Mammary papilla
- Any of the small projections on the top of the tongue:
- vallate papilla (contains taste buds)
- fungiform papilla (contains taste buds)
- filiform papilla (does not contain taste buds)
- foliate papilla (contains taste buds)
- Alternative name for the Optic disc of the eye.[1]
- Genital papilla, found in fishes.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]