Gustation is the sense of taste, which allows humans and animals to perceive flavors through specialized taste buds located on the tongue. These taste buds detect five primary tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Each taste plays a role in identifying the nutritional value and safety of food. When food enters the mouth, it interacts with saliva, which helps dissolve the flavors. The taste buds send signals to the brain, allowing us to experience and enjoy different flavors. Gustation works closely with olfaction, or the sense of smell, enhancing our overall perception of taste.