Final answer:
The small openings in the epithelium of the tongue that taste hair of taste cells project into are called taste pores. These are part of taste buds, which are housed in the tongue's papillae and send signals to the CNS when stimulated by chemicals in food.
Step-by-step explanation:
The taste hair of taste cells project into small openings in the epithelium of the tongue where they come into contact with saliva mixed with bits of dissolved food. These pits are called taste pores. Taste cells, located within taste buds, are sensitive to chemicals dissolved in saliva known as tastants. Taste buds are found on the tongue's papillae, which are small bumps that house these specialized gustatory receptor cells.
Different types of papillae, such as circumvallate, foliate, filiform, and fungiform, are found in various regions of the tongue. These gustatory receptor cells release neurotransmitters in response to chemical stimuli, activating sensory neurons that send signals to the central nervous system (CNS). The process of tasting involves these receptor cells making contact with food chemicals through taste pores.