Summary
Chemoreceptors in taste buds and olfactory epithelium detect dissolved and airborne molecules.
In depth
Taste buds detect sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami; receptors are GPCRs or ion channels. Olfactory neurons express one of about 400 receptor types; signals go directly to the olfactory bulb and limbic system, linking smell with memory. Flavour is mostly smell.
Humans have around 400 olfactory receptor genes. Smell can be lost with age or infection. Taste preferences influence nutrition.
Example: loss of smell is a symptom of some viral infections.
Frequently asked questions
What is Taste and Smell?
Chemoreceptors in taste buds and olfactory epithelium detect dissolved and airborne molecules.
Which area of biology covers Taste and Smell, and how advanced is it?
Taste and Smell is one of the 54 topics in Neuroscience. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Neuroinflammation, Sensory Receptors, Optogenetics.
Can you give an example of Taste and Smell?
A blocked nose dulls taste.
What should I learn before Taste and Smell?
Work through the Beginner topics in Neuroscience first, such as Nervous System, Neuron, Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems, then return to Taste and Smell. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Taste and Smell?
The closest topics to Taste and Smell are Neuroinflammation, Sensory Receptors, Optogenetics, Limbic System. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Taste and Smell?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Taste and Smell. To practise the whole of Neuroscience, use the Neuroscience quiz.
How is Taste and Smell different from Neuroinflammation?
Taste and Smell: Chemoreceptors in taste buds and olfactory epithelium detect dissolved and airborne molecules. Neuroinflammation: Activated microglia and astrocytes release cytokines that contribute to neurological disease. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Taste and Smell step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Neuroinflammation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Neuroscience quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.