Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Where are taste buds primarily located in the oral cavity?

1. Inside the cheeks

2. On the dorsum of the tongue

3. On the hard palate

4. Under the tongue

The correct answer is: On the dorsum of the tongue

Taste buds are primarily located on the dorsum, or the upper surface, of the tongue. This area contains numerous papillae, which are small projections that house the taste buds. The dorsum of the tongue is specifically designed for taste sensation due to its rich network of taste receptors that are stimulated by food and drink. While some taste buds can be found in other areas, such as the soft palate and the epiglottis, the majority are concentrated on the tongue. The other locations mentioned, like inside the cheeks, on the hard palate, and under the tongue, have fewer taste buds and do not play a primary role in the sensation of taste. Thus, the dorsum of the tongue is the most significant site for taste sensation in the oral cavity.