The term papilla (plural: papillae) generally means a nipple-like structure, and may refer to: Interdental papilla, part of the gingiva between teeth Dental papilla, cells involved in a developing tooth Renal papilla, in the kidney Lacrimal papilla, on the eyelid Mammary papilla, or nipple papillary thyroid cancer, a type of disease papillary muscle, a muscle in the heart On the tongue Circumvallate papillae (contains taste buds) Fungiform papilla (contains taste buds) Filiform papil… (More on Papillae)