Gustation

Definition

Gustation is the sensory system responsible for the perception of taste. It involves the detection of chemical stimuli by taste buds located on the tongue and other parts of the oral cavity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Taste buds are primarily located on the papillae of the tongue, but can also be found on the roof of the mouth and throat.
2. There are five basic tastes recognized by gustation: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
3. Taste receptor cells within taste buds interact with tastants (chemicals) to send signals to the brain via cranial nerves.
4. Gustation is closely linked to olfaction (sense of smell), significantly influencing flavor perception.
5. The gustatory pathway includes taste receptor cells, cranial nerves (VII, IX, X), and brain regions including the gustatory cortex.

Review Questions

• What are the five basic tastes detected by gustation?
• How do taste receptor cells communicate with the brain?
• Which cranial nerves are involved in transmitting taste information?

Related terms

Olfaction:

The sensory system responsible for detecting odors through receptors in the nasal cavity.

Papillae: Small structures on the tongue that contain taste buds and contribute to texture sensation.

Tastants: Chemical substances that stimulate taste receptor cells within taste buds.