Which type of papillae is most anterior on the tongue?

The most anterior type of papillae on the tongue is the fungiform papillae. These structures are located primarily on the tip and sides of the tongue and are characterized by their mushroom shape, which makes them easily identifiable. The fungiform papillae contain taste buds within their epithelium, contributing to the function of taste perception.

In contrast, filiform papillae, while they cover most of the surface of the tongue, do not have taste receptors and are more involved in the mechanical aspect of food manipulation. Circumvallate papillae, usually located at the back of the tongue in a V-shaped arrangement, are larger and contain a high density of taste buds but are posterior rather than anterior. Foliate papillae are situated on the sides of the tongue, more towards the posterior, and are also less prominent in humans compared to other species. Thus, the anatomical positioning and features of these papillae confirm that the fungiform papillae are indeed the most anterior on the tongue.