Taste receptors are specialized cells located on the tongue and in the mouth that help us detect different flavors. They respond to five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. When we eat, food molecules interact with these receptors, sending signals to the brain that help us identify what we are tasting. These receptors are part of a larger system called the gustatory system, which works alongside the olfactory system (responsible for smell) to create the overall experience of flavor. Each type of taste receptor is sensitive to specific chemicals, allowing us to enjoy a wide variety of foods.