Taste Receptors

Definition

Taste receptors are sensory cells located in the taste buds on our tongues that allow us to perceive different tastes. They can detect five primary tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

Related terms

Gustatory System:

The gustatory system is responsible for detecting and processing taste information from the taste receptors.

Taste Buds:

Taste buds are small structures on our tongues that contain taste receptor cells. They house the actual tastebuds where the action happens.

Papillae:

Papillae are tiny bumps on our tongues where taste buds reside. They help protect and support the taste buds.