1205 Tongue Study Resources

TermDefinition
Basic TastesThe fundamental taste sensations including sweet, salty, bitter, sour, and umami, perceived by the tongue.
Taste BudA sensory organ found on the tongue's surface, responsible for the perception of taste.
Taste PoreThe opening on the surface of the tongue through which tastants enter the taste bud.
Gustatory CellsSensory cells within a taste bud that respond to tastants and transmit taste information to the brain.
Transitional CellsCells surrounding gustatory cells that likely provide structural support within the taste bud.
Basal CellsProgenitor cells at the base of the taste bud that replace old gustatory cells, maintaining the sensitivity of the taste bud.
PapillaeNipple-like structures on the tongue’s surface that contain taste buds and contribute to the tongue’s texture.
MicrovilliProjections from gustatory cells that extend into the taste pore to interact with tastants.
Nerve FibersBundles of nerve fibers that carry taste information from the taste buds to the brain.
Connective TissueTissue that provides structural support to the taste buds and anchors them to the surrounding tongue tissue.
Afferent NerveNerve fibers that transmit signals from taste receptor cells to the brain for taste perception.
Taste AreasRegions of the tongue associated with sensitivity to specific tastes: salty (front edges), sweet (tip), bitter (back), sour (sides towards the back), and umami (middle).
Lingual EpitheliumThe topmost layer of the tongue where the taste buds are located.
Taste SensationsThe different flavors that are detected by the taste buds: salty, sweet, bitter, sour, and umami.