Bitterness
Bitterness
Bitterness (/ˈbɪtərnəs/) is a sensory experience characterized by a sharp, pungent taste that is often considered unpleasant or disagreeable. It is one of the five basic tastes and is perceived by many species, including humans.
Etymology
The term "bitterness" originates from the Old English bitre, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic *bitraz. The Proto-Germanic term is believed to have been borrowed from the Proto-Indo-European *bheid- meaning "to split," with the underlying notion being "sharp" or "cutting."
Perception of Bitterness
Bitterness is perceived by the taste receptors located on the tongue. These receptors, known as taste buds, contain specialized cells that can detect bitter substances. When these cells are stimulated, they send signals to the brain, which interprets these signals as the taste of bitterness.
Causes of Bitterness
Bitterness can be caused by a variety of substances. Many plants produce bitter compounds as a defense mechanism against herbivores. Some medications and health supplements also have a bitter taste. In addition, certain diseases and health conditions can cause a persistent bitter taste in the mouth, a condition known as dysgeusia.
Related Terms
- Taste: The sensation produced when a substance in the mouth reacts chemically with taste receptor cells located on taste buds.
- Taste bud: A small structure on the tongue that contains taste receptor cells.
- Taste receptor: A type of receptor which facilitates the sensation of taste.
- Dysgeusia: A distortion of the sense of taste.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bitterness
- Wikipedia's article - Bitterness
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