Correctly label the anatomical elements of the taste bud Taste pore Basal cell Gustatory microvilli Taste pore Supporting cell Gustatory cell Sensory neuron
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here’s the correct labeling of the anatomical elements of the taste bud based on the image provided:
- Topmost label (at the opening of the bud): Taste pore
- Upper left cell (with microvilli extending): Gustatory microvilli
- Middle right cell (elongated central cell): Gustatory cell
- Bottom left cell (smaller rounded cell): Basal cell
- Lower middle cell (slender, supporting shape): Supporting cell
- Bottom right fiber (connected to the base): Sensory neuron
Explanation
Taste buds are specialized sensory organs responsible for detecting taste stimuli. They are primarily located on the tongue within structures called papillae. Each taste bud contains multiple cell types that work together to sense and transmit taste information to the brain.
At the top of the taste bud is the taste pore, an opening that allows dissolved food particles and saliva to enter the bud and interact with sensory structures. Just beneath the pore are the gustatory microvilli, small hair-like extensions of the gustatory cells. These microvilli increase the surface area for detecting taste molecules.
Gustatory cells, also known as taste receptor cells, are the main sensory cells in the taste bud. They have receptors that respond to chemical stimuli from food and are responsible for generating electrical signals in response to different taste modalities—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami.
Supporting the gustatory cells are the supporting cells, which help maintain the structure and environment of the taste bud. Though they do not participate directly in taste transduction, they may play a role in secreting substances that help nourish and support sensory cells.
At the base of the taste bud are basal cells, which are stem-like cells capable of dividing and differentiating into new gustatory or supporting cells, allowing for taste bud regeneration.
Finally, sensory neurons or afferent nerve fibers connect to the base of gustatory cells. When gustatory cells detect a stimulus, they synapse with these neurons to transmit taste information via cranial nerves (like the facial or glossopharyngeal nerve) to the brain, where it is interpreted as taste.
