II. Physiology
- Olfactory Sensation is primary trigger for Taste Sensation
- Odorous or tastable particles dissolve in Saliva and directly contact gustatory receptors
- Gustatory receptors (Taste Buds) are present on the Tongue, Soft Palate, Larynx, epiglottis and proximal third of Esophagus
- Gustatory receptors differentiate only five Taste Sensations: bitter, salt, sour, sweet and savory (umami)
III. Anatomy: Taste Innervation
- Background
- Multiple nerve pathways preserve gustatory function (contrast with a single olfactory pathway)
- Complete gustatory function loss is much less likely than olfactory function loss
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Tongue Innervation (parasympathetic fibers)
- Anterior two thirds of Tongue: Lingual nerve (Chorda Tympani branch of Facial Nerve or Cranial Nerve 7)
- Posterior one third of Tongue: Glossopharyngeal Nerve
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Palate
- Greater superficial petrosal nerve
- Pharynx and Larynx
- Adjunctive Sensation of Temperature and stinging, sharpness or irritation