What structure is identified by swollen circumvallate papillae on the dorsum of the tongue?

The structure identified by swollen circumvallate papillae is indeed the circumvallate papillae. These papillae are large, dome-shaped structures located at the back of the tongue and are typically arranged in a V-shape. They are surrounded by a trench, or vallate, which contains taste buds.

When circumvallate papillae become swollen, this can indicate various conditions, such as inflammation or irritation, possibly from infection or other stimuli. Their unique structure allows them to play a significant role in the sensory perception of taste due to the presence of taste buds within them.

Filiform papillae, found throughout the tongue's surface, are primarily responsible for the texture sensation and do not have taste buds. Foliate papillae are located on the sides of the tongue and are also involved in taste but are not involved in the swelling described. Fungiform papillae, scattered across the anterior part of the tongue, are smaller and also have taste buds but do not take on the swollen appearance associated with circumvallate papillae.

Thus, the swelling specifically correlates with the circumvallate papillae, confirming that option C is the correct response to the question regarding the structure identified by swollen circumvall