Gustatory

Definition

Pertaining to the sense of taste or the detection of soluble chemical stimuli by specialized receptor cells. In arthropods, gustatory sensilla (contact chemoreceptors) are typically hair-like or peg-like structures distributed on mouthparts, tarsi, antennae, and other appendages that sample potential food substrates, mates, or oviposition sites. The gustatory system discriminates among sugars, salts, acids, alkaloids, and other compounds, mediating acceptance or rejection behaviors.

Etymology

From Latin gustare, to taste, and -ory, pertaining to.

Example

The gustatory sensilla on the labellum of a blow fly (Calliphoridae) detect sugars and bitter compounds, triggering proboscis extension for feeding or withdrawal to avoid toxic substrates.

Synonyms

• gustative

Related Terms

• chemoreception
• olfactory
• contact chemoreceptor
• gustatory sensillum
• taste hair
• phagostimulant
• deterrent
• Labellum
• maxillary palp

Usage Notes

Distinguished from olfactory (airborne/volatile chemical detection) by the requirement for direct contact with the stimulus. In insects, gustatory receptors are often multimodal, also detecting mechanical or thermal cues. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with 'taste' in behavioral literature, though gustatory emphasizes the physiological mechanism over the perceptual experience. Arthropod gustatory neurons are typically bipolar, with dendrites housed in cuticular pores or pits.