Which of the following statements is true regarding gustatory cells?
a. They have microvilli that project into the taste pore. b. There are only 10–20 gustatory cells in a typical taste bud. c. They have a lifespan of approximately 6 months. d. Some form synapses with neurons that give rise to the trigeminal nerve.
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1
Identify the role and structure of gustatory cells in the taste buds.
Understand that gustatory cells are responsible for detecting taste stimuli.
Recall that gustatory cells have microvilli that extend into the taste pore to interact with tastants.
Consider the typical number of gustatory cells in a taste bud, which is usually more than 10-20.
Remember that gustatory cells have a relatively short lifespan, typically around 10-14 days, and they form synapses with sensory neurons, but not specifically with the trigeminal nerve.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Gustatory Cells
Gustatory cells are specialized sensory cells located within taste buds that are responsible for detecting taste stimuli. They have microvilli that extend into the taste pore, allowing them to interact with tastants in the oral cavity. These cells play a crucial role in the perception of taste by transducing chemical signals into neural impulses.
Taste buds are clusters of gustatory cells, typically numbering between 50 to 150 cells per bud, rather than the 10-20 suggested in option b. Each taste bud is embedded in the epithelium of the tongue and contains a taste pore through which tastants enter. Understanding the structure of taste buds is essential for comprehending how taste perception occurs.
Gustatory cells have a relatively short lifespan, typically around 10 to 14 days, rather than the 6 months mentioned in option c. This rapid turnover is essential for maintaining the sensitivity of taste perception, as these cells are constantly exposed to harsh conditions in the oral cavity. The regeneration of these cells is crucial for the overall function of the taste system.