Hormones in the naso-oropharynx: endocrine modulation of taste and smell
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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Taste Exam: A Brief and Validated Test
Published on: August 17, 2018
Bronwen Martin1, Stuart Maudsley, Caitlin M White
1Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Abstract:
Olfaction and gustation are important sensory modalities for locating food and for determining which foodstuffs to ingest. It is becoming apparent that there is a strong link between olfaction, gustation and metabolic control. Because endocrine signaling in the naso-oropharynx is likely to influence food intake, satiety and general metabolic control, it is important to examine some of the major hormones that play an integral part in energy homeostasis. Here, we provide an overview of the main endocrine factors known to be present in the naso-oropharynx and discuss their functional roles in maintaining metabolic function. Gaining a greater appreciation of how flavor perception is linked to peripheral metabolism could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for obesity and lifestyle-related diseases.
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