HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which part of the tongue is primarily associated with taste?

1. Fungiform papillae

2. Incisal edge

3. Gingival crest

4. Gingival sulcus

The correct answer is: Fungiform papillae

The correct choice identifies the fungiform papillae as the part of the tongue primarily associated with taste. These small, mushroom-shaped structures are located mostly on the anterior part of the tongue and house taste buds within their epithelial lining. The taste buds are the sensory organs responsible for detecting different taste modalities such as sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. In contrast, the incisal edge refers to the cutting edge of the front teeth (incisors) and is not related to taste perception. The gingival crest pertains to the uppermost edge of the gums surrounding the teeth, serving as a boundary between the tooth and the gum but has no role in taste. Lastly, the gingival sulcus is the space between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue; this area is involved in periodontal health but is not connected to the sensory perception of taste. Understanding the specific functions and locations of these anatomical structures aids in comprehending their roles in oral health and sensory experiences.