Chemical senses

Chemical senses include taste and smell, which detect substances through chemical interactions. Taste involves taste buds on the tongue recognizing five basic flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Smell uses receptors in the nasal cavity to identify a vast array of airborne chemicals, allowing us to perceive odors. Both senses send signals to the brain, helping us evaluate foods, detect hazards like smoke or spoilage, and enjoy flavors. These senses are essential for survival, influencing eating habits and environmental awareness through the detection of chemical stimuli.