Part 6/11:
Taste on the tongue, with five basic flavors—sweet, umami, salty, sour, and bitter—triggers sensory signals traveling via the gustatory nerve to brain regions like the insular cortex. This perception influences immediate food liking, but it’s not solely hardwired; it can be rewired through experience.
2. Gut Signaling and Nutrient Sensing
Neurons within the digestive tract—particularly neuropod cells—detect amino acids, sugars, and fats, sending subconscious signals to the brain about food quality. These signals involve dopamine release, motivating food-seeking behavior based on the nutrient content rather than taste alone.