Gustation
Gustation
Gustation (pronounced: guh-stay-shun) is the scientific term for the sense of taste. It is one of the five traditional senses. The sensation of taste includes five established basic tastes: sweetness, sourness, saltiness, bitterness, and umami. The term "gustation" comes from the Latin word gustare, meaning 'to taste'.
Etymology
The term "gustation" is derived from the Latin gustare, which means 'to taste'. It is related to the term "gustatory", which refers to anything related to tasting or the sense of taste.
Basic Tastes
Gustation is composed of the ability to perceive five basic tastes, which are:
- Sweetness: This is usually regarded as a pleasurable sensation and is produced by the presence of sugars and a few other substances.
- Sourness: This taste is acidic and is often considered a warning sign of spoiled or rotten food.
- Saltiness: This is a taste produced primarily by the presence of sodium ions.
- Bitterness: This taste is brought about by many different substances and is often considered unpleasant.
- Umami: This is a savory or meaty taste, which is produced by several amino acids and nucleotides.
Gustatory System
The gustatory system is the sensory system responsible for the perception of taste and flavor. The gustatory system consists of taste receptor cells which are clustered within the taste buds that are located on the tongue and the roof of the mouth. These receptor cells are connected to nerve fibers that transmit taste signals to the brain.
Related Terms
- Taste bud: A taste bud is a cluster of gustatory receptors or taste cells that are located within the papillae on the surface of the tongue.
- Papillae: These are small, nipple-like structures on the tongue where the taste buds are located.
- Gustatory cortex: This is the part of the brain that is involved in the perception of taste.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gustation
- Wikipedia's article - Gustation
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