ABSTRACT
The circumvallate papillae differ from other gustatory structures in the number of taste buds and the presenceof a secretory apparatus associated with specialized serous glands, the Von-Ebners glands. This study evaluatedthe histopathological alterations in these structures and their associated tissues in relation to the smokinghabit. Thirty-two tongues, from a previously selected sample of 45 were studied, of which 16 belonged tosmokers and 16 to non-smoker individuals. They were obtained at necropsies from the morgue of the DeathVerification Service of UFPE, in agreement with the Secretary of Health of Pernambuco in Recife. A totalof 94 circumvallate papillae were studied. The samples were classified in two groups: smokers (S) and nonsmokers(NS). Three main alterations - inflammation, hyperplasia, and hyperkeratosis - were more frequentlyobserved in the analyzed samples. Many of these alterations can also be the result of other external factorsrather than cigarette smoking.