Gustatory pathways refer to the neural routes that carry taste information from the taste buds to the brain. When food or drink stimulates the taste buds on the tongue, sensory cells send signals through specific nerves, primarily the facial nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve, and vagus nerve. These signals travel to the brainstem and then to the thalamus, which acts as a relay station. From the thalamus, taste information is sent to the gustatory cortex in the brain, where it is processed and perceived as different tastes, such as sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. This pathway allows us to enjoy and differentiate flavors in the foods we consume.