Question

The taste hairs 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 small pits are called taste__________________________________

Answer 1

The small openings in the tongue epithelium where taste cells with microvilli interact with dissolved food substances are called taste pores. Taste buds within the papillae contain these taste cells and regenerate every 10 to 14 days, contributing to the sense of taste.

Step-by-step explanation:

The small openings in the epithelium of the tongue where taste hairs of taste cells project into and come into contact with dissolved food substances in saliva are called taste pores. These taste pores expose taste receptor cells into the oral cavity, allowing them to interact with food chemicals. Taste buds, which contain gustatory receptor cells, are responsible for transmitting the sense of taste to the brain. Taste buds have a life cycle of about 10 to 14 days and can regenerate, ensuring the gustatory system maintains its functionality.

Located on various types of papillae such as circumvallate, foliate, filiform, and fungiform, these taste buds house the specialized gustatory receptor cells. Once the taste molecules bind to receptors on the microvilli of these cells, chemical changes cause neural impulses that are then transmitted to the brain via different nerves, ultimately leading to the perception of taste.