The taste peripheral system

Abstract

The taste peripheral system. The taste system provides basic information essential to life since it identifies safe or harmful food. It is a complex sensory system with multiple different processes, starting mainly in the oral cavity where the tongue has a predominant role. The organisation of taste receptor cells, taste buds and taste papillae is presented in this review along with information regarding the five taste sensations: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. Taste signalling and the mechanisms of processing at the peripheral level will also be discussed. Retronasal olfaction plays a major role in what people consider to be flavour and therefore its mechanisms and interactions are discussed as a part of the peripheral taste system. Taste disturbances often lead to malnutrition, which is a potential life-threatening condition. Improving our understanding of the taste peripheral system will help in the management of patients with taste dysfunction and reduced dietary intake.