Figure 7.6: A taste bud Taste buds are found in the surface tissue (epithelium) of the tongue and elsewhere in the mouth. Each one contains 50 or more taste receptor cells. From the tip of each cell, hair-like extensions make contact with the fluid lining the epithelial tissue. These extensions contain binding sites and channels where substances to be tasted exert their effects. The receptor cells produce action potentials in response to such input and, in turn, induce action potentials in taste sensory neurons through synaptic transmission

(Adapted from Herness & Gilbertson, 1999.)