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Medical Definition of Circumvallate papilla
1. One of eight or ten projections from the dorsum of the tongue forming a row anterior to and parallel with the sulcus terminalis; each papilla is surrounded by a circular trench (fossa) having a slightly raised outer wall (vallum); on the sides of the vallate papilla and the opposed margin of the vallum are numerous taste buds. Synonym: papilla vallata, circumvallate papilla. Vascular papillae, dermal papillae containing vascular loops. (05 Mar 2000)