Taste (Gustation) and Smell (Olfaction)

What is a pheromone?

A chemical signal released by 1 member of the species and sensed by another species to trigger an innate response

What is the main nerve component of olfaction?

Olfactory bulb

What is a glomerulus in regards to olfaction?

A designation point for various sensory olfactory cells that are sensitive to the same molecule

What is the labeled-line theory of olfaction?

Each receptor would respond to specific stimuli and is directly linked to the brain

What is the vibrational theory of olfaction?

The vibrational frequency of a molecule gives that molecule its specific odor profile

What is the steric theory of olfaction?

Odors fits into receptors similar to a lock-and-key

What is anosmia?

Inability to perceive odor

What are the 5 main tastes?

Bitter, salty, sweet, sour, and umami

Taste buds are contained in structures called…?

Papillae

Where are fungiform taste buds found?

Anterior tongue

Where are foliate taste buds found?

Side of anterior tongue

Where are circumvallate taste buds found?

Back of anterior tongue

What is special about filiform papillae?

Do not contain taste buds; located at center of tongue

What is a tastant?

A substance that stimulates the sense of taste

What is gustducin?

A protein associated with the sensation of taste

What tastes rely on GPCR receptors?

Sweet, umami, and bitter

What tastes rely on ion channels?

Sour and salty

What is special about olfaction and gustation in regards to brain synapse?

Only senses that do not synapse on the thalamus