Taste Buds

Taste buds are small sensory organs located on the tongue's surface that detect different flavors such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Each taste bud contains specialized cells called taste receptor cells, which respond to specific chemical compounds in food. When you eat, these molecules interact with the receptors, sending signals via nerves to the brain, which interprets them as distinct tastes. Taste buds are also found on the roof of the mouth and throat, and they play a crucial role in flavor perception, guiding eating habits and influencing appetite. They regenerate approximately every two weeks to maintain sensitivity.