Taste
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Introduction
Receptors
somatoreceptors innervated by V, IX, X
gustatory receptors are found in papillae (taste buds)
Umami, which activates glutamate receptors, sensitizes
transduction
occurs within apical microvilli
cells use graded potentials; AP are propogated post-synaptically
- salty: ENaC (epithelial Na channels) are not voltage gated, but allow Na entry down concentration gradient
- sour: protons enter through ENaCs and block K channels, depolarizing the cell
- sweet: sugars bind GPCRs, increasing cAMP and closes the K channels
- bitter: can block K channels, or activate GPCR-mediated Ca2+ release
Nerve pathways
Taste from the anterior two thirds of the tongue are carried by CN VII (facial) and from the posterior one third by CN IX (glossopharyngeal)
Resources and References
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