ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Afferent nerves make contact with the receptor cells at the base of the taste bud. A single taste bud may be innervated by several afferents, while a single fiber may innervate several taste buds.

Detailed explanation-2: -Taste buds contain the taste receptor cells, which are also known as gustatory cells. The taste receptors are located around the small structures known as papillae found on the upper surface of the tongue, soft palate, upper esophagus, the cheek, and epiglottis.

Detailed explanation-3: -Taste buds are tiny nerve endings that react chemically with different foods. Taste buds transmit messages directly to the brain to perceive different tastes, including: Salty, such as French fries, peanuts and salted pork. Sweet, such as cotton candy, strawberries and sugar.

Detailed explanation-4: -There are two cranial nerves that innervate the tongue and are used for taste: the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) and the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).