Definition

A taste bud is a sensory organ on the tongue that contains the receptors for taste.

Function

Taste buds are responsible for detecting the basic tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami.

Location

Taste buds are primarily located on the tongue but can also be found on the roof of the mouth and the back of the throat.

Structure

Taste buds consist of clusters of cells called taste receptor cells, which are embedded in the epithelium of the tongue.

Examples

1. “When you eat something, the taste buds send signals to your brain, allowing you to perceive the flavor of the food.”

2. “Taste buds can regenerate approximately every 10 days.”