Clinical study on taste function and ultramicroscopic observation of regenerated fungiform papillae and nerve ending after reconstruction of the chorda tympani nerve - Ultrastructure of regenerated human fungiform papillae

After the chorda tympani nerve was severed during middle ear surgery, it was clarified that the taste buds containing taste cells and nerve endings could regenerate in the FP of patients with a recovered taste function. The mean number of taste buds in FP of patients with a completely recovered taste function was significantly smaller (1.9 +/- 1.4/FP, p<0.01) than that of normal subjects (3.8 +/- 2.2/FP). By transmission electron microscopy, four distinct types of cell (type I, II, III, and basal cells) were identified in regenerated taste buds. Nerve fibers and nerve terminals were also found in the taste buds.