key term - Umami

Definition

Umami is one of the five basic tastes, recognized for its savory flavor, often associated with meats and broths. It is detected by receptors on the tongue designed to respond to amino acids, particularly glutamate.

Related terms

Taste receptor cells: Specialized cells found on the taste buds that detect different tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami) and send signals to the brain.

Glutamate:

An amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and is responsible for the umami taste in foods.

Somatic Nervous System:

The part of the peripheral nervous system that handles voluntary control of body movements through skeletal muscles and also contributes to the perception of sensory stimuli including taste