Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Specific receptor cells are specialized cells located on the tongue that detect and transmit signals for different taste qualities such as sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
Related terms
Taste buds: Small structures located within the papillae on the tongue that contain clusters of specific receptor cells.
Supertasters: Individuals who have an unusually high number of taste buds and are more sensitive to tastes.
Cross-adaptation: The phenomenon where exposure to one taste can temporarily decrease sensitivity to another taste.