The gustatory cortex is a specialized region of the brain responsible for processing taste information. It is tucked underneath the overlap between the frontal and temporal lobes.

Gustatory Cortex

Once taste molecules bind to receptors, neural impulses are transmitted via different nerves to the brain. Taste information is transmitted to the medulla, thalamus, and limbic system, before ultimately reaching the gustatory cortex.

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Taste molecules from consumed food and beverages dissolve in saliva and interact with taste receptors. These receptors are located on hair-like extensions of taste receptor cells. When taste molecules bind to these receptors, they cause chemical changes within the sensory cell that result in neural impulses being transmitted to the brain.

Taste Receptor Cells

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

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