Taste buds – groups of taste cells located on papillae of tongue as well as hard palate and epiglottis.
	fungiform papillae – most abundant, over most of tongue.
	circumvallate papillae – large, round, back of tongue.
	filiform papillae – no taste buds, near tip, touch receptors.
	Taste cells – neuroepithelial cells, secrete neurotransmitter which depolarizes nerve fibers.
	• Microvilli respond to dissolved chemicals.
	• four basic tastes, a fifth responds to glutamate which makes the others more intense.  Japanese “umami” dubbed “yummy” in English.
	Basal cells – constantly replace taste cells, about every 10 days.