The mucous membrane of the tongue is composed of small protuberances, lingual taste buds, distinguished by their particular sensitivity to one of the basic flavors: sweet, salty, sour, bitter.
Saliva-filled depression delimiting the lingual taste buds.
salivary gland
Each of the three pairs of saliva-secreting organs responsible for moistening food so that the taste buds can perceive its taste.
taste bud
Organ of taste formed of sensory cells that, in contact with saliva, detect flavors and transmit them to the brain in the form of nerve impulses.
foliate papilla
Taste bud located mainly on the posterior lateral edges of the tongue and having a taste function; it is most sensitive to sour flavors.
fungiform papilla
Mushroom-shaped taste bud occurring in large numbers at the apex and on the sides of the tongue and having a taste function; it reacts mainly to sweet and salty flavors.
circumvallate papilla
Each of the large taste buds (about 10) forming a lingual V at the back of the body of the tongue ensuring the taste function; they mostly perceive bitter flavors.
filiform papilla
Cone-shaped taste bud covering the rear of the tongue; its function is solely tactile. These taste buds give the tongue its velvety appearance.
