Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
07:53
µTongue: A Microfluidics-Based Functional Imaging Platform for the Tongue In Vivo
Published on: April 22, 2021
From the tongue to the gut
Rossella Negri1, Gabriella Morini, Luigi Greco
1European Laboratory for Food Induced Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy. rosnegri@unina.it
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|August 12, 2011
Summary
Human taste receptors are found beyond the tongue in the gut, influencing digestion and nutrient absorption. This discovery offers new therapeutic targets for functional gastrointestinal diseases in children.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human taste perception has been significantly advanced by genetics and molecular biology.
- Taste receptors are located in taste buds on the tongue and soft palate.
- Recent research reveals taste receptors in non-gustatory tissues like the gut and brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the expanded role of taste receptors beyond oral sensation.
- To investigate the implications of taste receptor presence in the gastrointestinal tract.
- To identify potential new treatments for pediatric functional gastrointestinal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent genetic and molecular biology studies on taste receptors.
- Analysis of literature on taste receptor expression in non-gustatory tissues.
- Correlation of taste perception with gastrointestinal function and disease.
Main Results:
- Taste receptors are expressed throughout the intestinal tract.
- This expression suggests a role in digestive behavior and nutrient absorption.
- Functional gastrointestinal diseases in children are linked to food preferences and aversions.
Conclusions:
- The presence of taste receptors in the gut opens new avenues for understanding digestion.
- Discoveries in this field may lead to improved treatments for pediatric functional GI disorders.
- Targeting gut taste receptors could offer novel therapeutic strategies for children.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System I: Ingestion and Propulsion
The physiology of the gastrointestinal system begins with ingestion as food enters the mouth.
01:26Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal System
The human digestive system is an intricate and essential network for nutrient absorption and waste elimination. It encompasses the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and several accessory organs.
Here's a detailed walkthrough of this complex system:
Here's a detailed walkthrough of this complex system:
01:25Deglutition
Swallowing, otherwise known as deglutition, facilitates the transport of food from the mouth to the stomach. It is a multifaceted process that involves both the tongue and the muscles of the throat and esophagus. Saliva and mucus aid in this process, which takes approximately 4 to 8 seconds for semi-solid or solid food and around 1 second for liquids or very soft food.
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...
Swallowing can be divided into three stages: the voluntary phase, the pharyngeal phase, and the esophageal phase. Although the...
01:22Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System II: Digestion and Absorption
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, extending from the mouth to the anus, plays a pivotal role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. This process involves both mechanical and chemical actions facilitated by various enzymes.
Digestion begins in the mouth, where food undergoes mechanical breakdown by chewing and combines with saliva. Salivary amylase, an enzyme in saliva, starts the breakdown of starches into maltose. The food then travels down the esophagus to the stomach.
In the stomach, a...
Digestion begins in the mouth, where food undergoes mechanical breakdown by chewing and combines with saliva. Salivary amylase, an enzyme in saliva, starts the breakdown of starches into maltose. The food then travels down the esophagus to the stomach.
In the stomach, a...
01:22Gut-Brain Axis
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
01:50What is Monogastric Digestion?
The human body contains a monogastric digestive system. In a monogastric digestive system, the stomach only contains one chamber in which it digests food. Several other animal species also have monogastric digestive systems, including pigs, horses, dogs, and birds. This chapter, however, focuses on the human digestive system.