How the Sense of Taste Works

 Taste is detected by taste buds on the tongue, which recognize five primary flavors: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami.

1. Detection: Taste buds contain receptor cells that respond to chemical compounds in food.

2. Signals: These receptors send signals to the brainstem and gustatory cortex in the brain via cranial nerves.

3. Smell and Texture: Taste works alongside smell and texture to create a full sensory experience. Without smell, the sense of taste is significantly diminished.