Median rhomboid glossitis is due to:

 # Median rhomboid glossitis is due to:

A. Persistence of tuberculum impar

B. Inflammation of the tongue

C. Hypertrophy of filiform papilla

D. Atrophy of circumvallate Papillae

The correct answer is A. Persistence of tuberculum impar.

Embryologically the tongue is formed by two lateral processes (lingual tubercles) meeting in the midline and fusing above a central structure from the first and second branchial arches, the tuberculum impar. The posterior dorsal point of fusion is occasionally defective, leaving a rhomboid-shaped, smooth erythematous mucosa lacking in papillae or taste buds. This median rhomboid glossitis (central papillary atrophy, posterior lingual papillary atrophy) is a focal area of susceptibility to recurring or chronic atrophic candidiasis, prompting a recent shift towards the use of posterior midline atrophic candidiasis as a more appropriate diagnostic term.

Reference: Shafer’s Textbook of ORAL PATHOLOGY, 7th Edition, Page No: 30

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