CSA Human Perception & Sensory Physiology 2

Question 1

Which cranial nerve branch carries taste information from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Chorda tympani of the facial nerve (VII)

Answer

The chorda tympani, a branch of the facial nerve, carries taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

Question 2

Approximately how often are human taste receptor cells replaced?

Accepted Answer

Every 10 to 14 days

Answer

Taste receptor cells have a short lifespan and turn over roughly every 1-2 weeks.

Question 3

Which receptor combination is responsible for detecting sweet taste in humans?

Accepted Answer

T1R2 + T1R3

Answer

Sweet taste is mediated by the T1R2/T1R3 heterodimer G-protein-coupled receptor.

Question 4

Umami taste, elicited by monosodium glutamate, is primarily detected by which receptor?

Accepted Answer

T1R1 + T1R3

Answer

The T1R1/T1R3 heterodimer is the principal umami receptor.

Question 5

Why can humans detect thousands of structurally diverse bitter compounds?

Accepted Answer

Humans have about 25 different T2R bitter receptors

Answer

A family of roughly 25 T2R receptors, many broadly tuned, allows detection of diverse bitter molecules.

CSA - Certified Sensory Analyst Practice Test