Final Answer:
The taste buds, receptors of the gustatory system, are located within structures called papillae in the oral cavity. Papillae include fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate types on the tongue's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The taste buds, the primary receptors of the gustatory system, are located within structures called papillae in the oral cavity. Papillae are small, raised structures on the tongue's surface and other parts of the oral mucosa. There are three main types of papillae: fungiform, circumvallate (or vallate), and foliate.
Fungiform papillae are scattered across the tongue, with a mushroom-like appearance. They contain taste buds on their upper surface. Circumvallate papillae are larger and form a V-shape on the back of the tongue, with taste buds within the walls of the papillae. Foliate papillae are located on the sides of the tongue and contain taste buds in folds.
Each taste bud consists of taste receptor cells that detect specific taste qualities such as sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. The information gathered by taste buds is transmitted to the brain, contributing to the sense of taste.