Taste Buds

Definition

Taste buds are small sensory organs located on the tongue and other parts of the mouth that allow us to perceive different tastes. They contain special receptor cells that send signals to the brain, helping us distinguish between sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami flavors.

Related terms

Papillae: Small bumps on the surface of the tongue where taste buds are found.

Gustation: The sense of taste.

Olfaction: The sense of smell, which works together with gustation to create our perception of flavor.