The structure indicated represents a fungiform papillae, one of the four types of lingual papillae found on the surface of the tongue.

There are four types of lingual papillae found on the tongue:

• Circumvallate papillae (top right)
• Fungiform papillae (bottom left)
• Filiform papillae (bottom middle)
• Foliate papillae (bottom right)

The only papillae not associated with taste buds are the filiform papillae. Fungiform papillae are mushroom shaped and contain taste buds on their upper surface allowing distinction of all five modalities of taste:

• Bitter
• Sweet
• Sour
• Salty
• Umami