Which statement best explains how the sense of taste works?

• A. Molecules of taste are absorbed into the saliva and circulated throughout the blood until they reach the brain.
• B. Olfactory bulbs absorb molecules of taste and then send signals to the brain.
• C. Molecules of food fit into receptors on taste buds, and neural signals are fired to the brain.
• D. Molecules of taste are absorbed through receptors on the roof of the mouth and transmitted to the stomach.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the basic anatomy involved in the sense of taste. The primary structures are the taste buds, which are located on the tongue and contain taste receptor cells.
2. Recognize that taste perception involves the interaction between molecules of food and the taste receptors. These receptors are sensitive to different types of taste molecules, such as sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami.
3. When food molecules dissolve in saliva, they come into contact with the taste buds. The molecules bind to specific receptors on the taste receptor cells within the taste buds.
4. This binding action triggers a series of neural signals. These signals are transmitted via the gustatory pathway, which includes the cranial nerves, to the brain.
5. The brain processes these signals, allowing us to perceive and identify different tastes. This process is distinct from olfactory (smell) perception, which involves the olfactory bulbs and is not directly related to taste perception.