II. Physiology
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Tongue differentiates only bitter, salt, sour, sweet
- Taste-related substances dissolve in Saliva
- Taste Buds (on Tongue, Soft Palate, Larynx, epiglottis)
- Olfactory Sensation is primary trigger for Taste Sensation
III. Anatomy: Taste Innervation
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Tongue Innervation (parasympathetic fibers)
- Anterior two thirds of Tongue: Lingual nerve (Chorda Tympani branch of Facial Nerve or Cranial Nerve 7)
- Posterior one third of Tongue: Glossopharyngeal Nerve
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Palate
- Greater superficial petrosal nerve
- Pharynx and Larynx
- Adjunctive Sensation of Temperature, stinging and sharpness