Anatomy and Development of the Human Gustatory and Olfactory Systems

The chemical senses taste and olfaction rely on unique neuroanatomical sensors, either taste receptor cells or olfactory receptor neurons. They are responsible for the initial transduction process that ultimately results in the perception of “odors” in olfaction, and bitter, sour, salty, sweet, and umami sensations in taste. This chapter describes the anatomy of both the gustatory and olfactory systems in humans. Its main focus is on the description of intraoral taste buds, and the nasal olfactory mucosa, including their blood and nerve supplies, and some important central nervous relay stations.