The Scientific Russia publication explained what taste buds are and what disorders in the body can affect
It is known that a person is able to distinguish between tastethanks to special receptors that are on the tongue. When food hits it, a signal about this is transmitted to the central nervous system, where taste is determined. In total, we have about 8 thousand taste buds, each of which has a complex of cells. These cells are capable of detecting five tastes: bitter, sour, sweet, salty, and spicy.
In this case, it happens that the ability to distinguishthe taste of food disappears. There are, as doctors note, three types of taste disturbances: exacerbation (hypergeusia), decrease in its severity (hypogeusia; complete loss of ageusia) and perversion of the sense of taste (dysgeusia). All these types can occur in one person, both together and separately.
Why does the taste get there?Scientists say the main reason – in changes in the mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue. This can be caused, for example, by an infection in the body (example – COVID-19), or nutritional deficiency. Moreover, if the patient did not have problems with the perception of tastes and smells before coronavirus, then they return to it soon after recovery. If this does not happen for a long time, you should consult a doctor.
One more important note – taste maychange or disappear if the nerves and centers of the brain that are associated with taste analysis are damaged. It also happens that the taste of foods changes slightly due to mental disorders.
Source: Scientific Russia