The human tongue is capable of detecting five fundamental taste sensations that help us perceive the flavor of different foods. The five fundamental taste sensations are salty, sweet, sour (acid), bitter, and umami (taste of amino acids). Taste buds, located on the surface of the tongue and other areas of the mouth, contain specialized receptor cells that detect these five tastes. These receptors send signals to the brain, where the perception of taste is processed. Each taste sensation helps the body respond to nutritional needs or potential dangers from harmful substances.