Main Entry: pa·pil·la

Pronunciation: \pə-ˈpil-ə\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural pa·pil·lae \-ˈpil-(ˌ)ē, -ˌī\

: a small projecting body part similar to a nipple in form: as a : a vascular process of connective tissue extending into and nourishing the root of a hair, feather, or developing tooth

[papilla illustration]

b : any of the vascular protuberances of the dermal layer of the skin extending into the epidermal layer and often containing tactile corpuscles c : renal papilla d : any of the small protuberances on the upper surface of the tongue—see circumvallate papilla, filiform papilla, fungiform papilla, interdental papilla, optic papilla