1) Taste is mediated by taste receptors located in taste buds in the oral cavity and throat. Taste receptors respond to different ions and molecules to produce the sensations of sweetness, saltiness, sourness, bitterness, and umami. 2) Taste buds contain 50-75 specialized taste receptor cells that sample substances in the mouth and transmit signals through nerves to the brain. The tongue contains fungiform, foliate and vallate papillae that house taste buds. 3) Signals from taste receptors travel along the facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves to the brainstem. They then project to the thalamus and on to the primary gustatory cortex, which processes taste sensations