We can taste substances in food and drink thanks to the
10,000 or so taste buds located on structures, called papillae, on the surface
of our tongues. These receptors send signals along nerves to the brain for
interpretation. Four main tastes – sweet, salty, sour, and bitter
– are detected by the taste buds in four areas of the tongue. The senses
of taste and smell combine to analyse flavours.
PAPILLAE ON SURFACE OF TONGUE
Papillae are tiny protrusions on the surface of the tongue. The
fungiform papillae and some other types of papillae contain taste buds. The
smaller, more numerous, filiform papillae do not contain taste buds but give
the tongue a rough surface, which helps it move food around the mouth.
TASTE RECEPTOR CELLS IN A TASTE BUD
Hairs emerge from each
receptor cell. Food and drink molecules must dissolve in saliva before they can interact
with these hairs and trigger signals to the brain.
