The Tongue: Anatomy, Functions, and Taste Buds

What are the four primary tastes detected by the taste buds on the tongue?

• sweet, sour, salty, and bitter

• sour, umami, spicy, bland

• salty, umami, pungent, spicy

• spicy, umami, bland, pungent

Which cranial nerve is responsible for carrying taste information from the tongue to the brain?

• Trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V)

• Vagus nerve (cranial nerve X)

• Accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI)

• Facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)

What is the scientific term for the visible bumps on the surface of the tongue?

• papillae

• enamel

• taste buds

• saliva glands

How many taste buds are estimated to be on the human tongue?

• 2,000 to 8,000

• 5,000 to 10,000

• 10,000 to 15,000

• 100 to 500

What is the role of the tongue in the process of swallowing?

• Chewing food into smaller pieces

• Producing saliva to help break down food

• Holding the food in place while swallowing

• Assist in pushing food to the back of the mouth and into the throat for swallowing

Which part of the tongue is responsible for detecting sweet tastes?

• Side of the tongue

• Tip of the tongue

• Back of the tongue

• Middle of the tongue