The circumvallate papillae differ from other gustatory structures in the number of taste buds and the presence of a secretory apparatus associated with specialized serous glands, the Von-Ebner’s glands. This study evaluated the histopathological alterations in these structures and their associated tissues in relation to the smoking habit. Thirty-two tongues, from a previously selected sample of 45 were studied, of which 16 belonged to smokers and 16 to non-smoker individuals. They were obtained at necropsies from the morgue of the Death Verification Service of UFPE, in agreement with the Secretary of Health of Pernambuco in Recife. A total of 94 circumvallate papillae were studied. The samples were classified in two groups: smokers (S) and nonsmokers (NS). Three main alterations - inflammation, hyperplasia, and hyperkeratosis - were more frequently observed in the analyzed samples. Many of these alterations can also be the result of other external factors rather than cigarette smoking.