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not sure why I never thought of this before, but the tongue is not the *main* taste sensor. I only just realized this when I held my breath when I accidently drank an old cup of coffee and tasted nothing. smell seems to be the most important thing when it comes to taste.
I mean I get that most people know that holding your breath changes the taste but am I wrong thinking most people think the tongue is used as the main taste sensor.
can't tell if I'm retarded or a genius for this observation
Replies (16)
There's a direct neural link from the nasal cavity right into the brain stem. Neurons that pick up smell, and trigger your reptile brain. Smell is our oldest sense, and the most intimate one. BTW COVID attacked those neurons in a subset of people. That's what led to loss of smell/taste, as those very neural cells were converted to virus 🦠 particles. The five basic tastes (sour/bitter/salty/sweet/umami) are taken up in the mouth, but aroma is all in the nose.
Source: lecture on smell at Mainz university, 2022-ish.
interesting..
actually not only covid but many cold do impair smell.
and i am not sure whether the nerves go directly to the brain stem but rather the hippocampus.
You also have smell receptors on you skin, inside the lung and intestines. No kidding. They trigger hormone release based on their sensory reactions. Pretty interesting stuff.
its a common game for kids in central europe. cover the eyes and use a clip to close the nose. give food to try and you will have a lot of fun, as they wont be able to tell.
when your kids are young, the older ones might start first ;-)
I probably mixed up the biological names. It's a very ancient part of the brain, might be hippocampus, amagdyla or whatevs. I never can memorize those 😶
Anyone who works on the food industry knows that smell and sight are a huge part of taste. You smell and see your food before you actually put it in your mouth.
That's why at some fancier places they will gussy up a plate with aromatics.
Will, is this what you start thinking about when the family leaves you alone for a few days!?! 😂
just think of what my notes will be like after a week
I can’t wait. Please document the descent on NOSTR for us all to enjoy. 😂
You get a real good experience for the difference when you eat popurrí
Also noise: nothing tastes good in a noisy environment, like airplanes
I don't know if the tongue is the main taste sensor, but I can confirm that you are both retarded and a genius.
a true observation but later. this happens when we get sick
