Taste and Smell: Chemical Senses

What You'll Learn

Taste buds on the tongue detect five basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. Smell greatly enhances the sense of taste, which is why food seems bland when you have a cold.

Key Words

cell
neuron
receptor

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Review the background information on The Human Body before starting.

Step 2 — Do

Build a model of the respiratory system using a plastic bottle, balloons, and a straw. Show how the diaphragm helps you breathe.

Step 3 — Observe

Look for patterns in your observations.

Step 4 — Record

Make a graph or chart showing your results.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What are the five basic tastes?