Akron Children's Logo
Skip to main content
Close Tools Menu Icon

Operator:

330-543-1000

Questions or Referrals:
ASK CHILDREN‘S

Close Phone Menu Icon
Home > Kidshealth

For Kids

What Are Taste Buds?

Print Page

Taste Buds

If you love ice cream, thank your taste buds. Without them, you couldn't savor that satisfying sweet treat — or anything else. Tiny bumps all over your tongue called papillae (say: puh-PILL-ee) contain taste buds, which have very sensitive microscopic hairs called microvilli (say: my-kro-VIH-ly). Those tiny hairs send messages to the brain about how something tastes, so you know if it's sweet, sour, bitter, or salty.

Lea este articulo en Español

Back to top of page

By using this site, you consent to our use of cookies. To learn more, read our privacy policy.