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The sense of taste is mediated by groups of cells called taste buds, mainly situated on the tongue, which sample concentrations of a large number of small molecules dissolved in saliva and send information to taste centres in the brainstem and then to the cortex. In addition to signal transduction by taste buds, it is also clear that the sense of smell significantly affects the sensation of taste. Five types of primary tastes are commonly recognized: salty, sour, sweet, bitter, umami. Perception of taste is also influenced by thermal stimulation of the tongue. Once taste signals are transmitted to the brain, gustosalivory reflexes are triggered. Peripheral or central deterioration of the gustatory system will result in transitory or permanent loss of gustatory sensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]