Taste and Smell Receptors

Taste and smell receptors are specialized sensory cells that detect different chemicals to help us perceive flavors and odors. Taste receptors, located on taste buds on the tongue, respond to five main tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Smell receptors, found in the nasal cavity, detect airborne molecules and send signals to the brain about odors. These receptors work together to create the rich experience of flavor, with taste providing basic sensations and smell adding depth and nuance, allowing us to identify and enjoy a wide variety of foods and environments.