Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: paul.fr on 29/08/2007 23:44:05

Title: taste buds in our throat!
Post by: paul.fr on 29/08/2007 23:44:05
ever drink something and get the best, and strongest taste as you are swollowing? does this mean we have tastebuds in our throat, or what?
Title: taste buds in our throat!
Post by: another_someone on 30/08/2007 12:07:35
I believe we do have some taste buds in our throat, but I don't think that is the main reason for the above.

Firstly, it is very easy to overpower one's taste buds.  I remember doing some experiments at school where we mixed tastes in water (something bitter, something sweet, something salty, and something sour - all innocuous) and asked other people to taste it and tell us what we had added to the water.  They could taste very minute amounts, but if you gave them a massive dose of taste, although they would almost choke on the strength of the taste, they could not really work out what the taste was because it was overpowering all of their taste buds (a bit like not being able to see colour if you are blinded by an overpowering light).

Also, most things have an aftertaste, but the aftertaste will be different to the actual taste as different chemicals will have different residual effects (rather like saccharin having a metallic aftertaste, but you don't notice this until after the main taste has gone away and you are left only with the aftertaste).
Title: taste buds in our throat!
Post by: Karen W. on 30/08/2007 13:35:37
I agree with you George about the aftertaste!