Gustatory system
Gustatory System
The Gustatory System (pronunciation: guh-stuh-tawr-ee sis-tuhm) is the sensory system responsible for the perception of taste. It is also known as the Taste System.
Etymology
The term "gustatory" is derived from the Latin word "gustare," which means "to taste." The term "system" comes from the Greek word "systēma," which means "whole compounded of several parts or members."
Function
The Gustatory System allows us to distinguish between safe and harmful food, and to gauge the nutritional content of what we eat. It is primarily located in the taste buds in the mouth and throat. The system is made up of taste receptor cells which are responsible for detecting the five elements of taste perception: sweet, salt, sour, bitter, and umami.
Related Terms
- Taste receptor cells: Specialized cells that respond to chemical molecules (taste stimuli) and send signals to the gustatory areas of the brain.
- Taste buds: Small structures on the upper surface of the tongue, soft palate, upper esophagus, the cheek, and epiglottis, which house the taste receptor cells.
- Umami: One of the five basic tastes, it is a savory or 'meaty' flavor commonly associated with broths and cooked meats.
- Olfactory system: The sensory system used for smelling, it often works in conjunction with the gustatory system to create the perception of flavor.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gustatory system
- Wikipedia's article - Gustatory system
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