Question

Salty taste is perceived by the taste buds located on
A. Tip of the tongue
B. Sides of the tongue
C. Back side of the tongue
D. Both A and B

Answer 1

Taste buds contain the taste receptor cells which are present on the tongue which are also known as gustatory cells. The taste receptors are located on the small structures known as papillae which are found on the upper surface of the soft palate, tongue, the cheeks and epiglottis. These taste receptors are involved in detecting five elements of taste which are salty, bitter, sour, umami and sweet.

Complete answer:
The taste buds are buried in the epithelial layers without being partitioned by various membranes or any other type of tissues from other surrounding epithelial cells. The taste buds for the sweet are on the tip of the tongue whereas salty taste buds are present on either side of the front tongue portion. Sour taste buds are present behind the front portion of the tongue. Bitter taste buds are present in the back portion of the tongue. The centre of the tongue contains very few taste buds.
The stimulus is initiated in taste receptor cells which lead to depolarization and neurotransmitter release into afferent nerve fibers which help to send signals to the central nervous system and help to perceive taste. The central nervous system is also responsible for differentiating between two tastes on our tongue.

Hence, the correct option is A. Salty taste is perceived by the taste buds located on the tip of the tongue.

Note: There are different forms of papillae used in tasting which are fungiform papillae, circumvallate papillae, foliate papillae and filiform papillae. These structures are essential for tasting in our body.