Tongue

Definition

The tongue is a muscular organ located in the mouth that plays a crucial role in tasting and swallowing food. It contains taste buds, which are specialized receptors responsible for detecting different tastes.

Related terms

Gustatory System:

The gustatory system refers to the sensory system responsible for the perception of taste. It includes not only the tongue but also other structures involved in processing taste signals, such as the brain.

Papillae:

Papillae are small bumps on the surface of the tongue that contain taste buds. They increase the surface area of the tongue and help with tasting.

Umami:

Umami is one of the five basic tastes alongside sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. It refers to a savory or meaty flavor often found in foods like mushrooms or soy sauce.