The filiform papillae are one of the four types of lingual papillae, small prominences on the surface of the tongue. The filiform papillae are thin, long "V"-shaped cones that don't contain taste buds but are the most numerous, covering most of the dorsum (upper surface). These papillae are mechanical and not involved in gustation.

They are small and arranged in lines parallel to the V-shaped row of circumvallate papillae

Circumvallate papillae

The circumvallate papillae are dome-shaped structures on the human tongue that vary in number from eight to twelve....

, except at the tip of the tongue where they are aligned transversely. Projecting from their apices are numerous filamentous processes, or secondary papillae. These are of a whitish tint, owing to the thickness and density of the epithelium

Epithelium

Epithelium is one of the four basic types of animal tissue, along with connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue. Epithelial tissues line the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body, and also form many glands. Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective...

 of which they are composed. This epithelium has undergone a peculiar modification as the cells have become cornified and elongated into dense, imbricated, brush-like processes.

They contain also a number of elastic fibers, which render them firmer and more elastic than the papillae of mucous membrane

Mucous membrane

The mucous membranes are linings of mostly endodermal origin, covered in epithelium, which are involved in absorption and secretion. They line cavities that are exposed to the external environment and internal organs...

 generally. The larger and longer papillae of this group are sometimes termed papillae conicae. Fungiform papilla

Fungiform papilla

The fungiform papillae are mushroom shaped papillae on the tongue. They are located on the top surface of the tongue, scattered throughout the filiform papilla but mainly at the tip and lateral margins of the tongue. They have taste buds on their superior surface which can distinguish the five...

e are found dispersed throughout the filiform papillae.