Fungiform Papillae in the Domestic Norway Rat: The Pattern of Growth, and Some Behavioural Modifications of Growth

Abstract

<p>The purpose of the work reported in this thesis is to delineate the growth pattern of the fungiform papillae during development of the domestic Norway rat, and to investigate some behavioural interactions with that development. It was found that growth occurs in two distinct spurts; the first begins during labour and is at least in part under uterine influences; the second begins with the sampling of solid foods and can be profoundly influenced by the weaning process and by some factor in the nursing experience. The total population of fungiform papillae following the second growth period is greater than that in adults, and remains at this level throughout adolescence.</p>