Final answer:
The tiny elevations on the surface of the tongue that contain most of the taste buds are called papillae. Different types of papillae are found in different regions of the tongue. Taste buds within the papillae contain specialized gustatory receptor cells that respond to chemical stimuli dissolved in saliva.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tiny elevations on the surface of the tongue that contain most of the taste buds are called papillae. There are different types of papillae, including circumvallate, foliate, filiform, and fungiform papillae. Each type has a different appearance and is found in different regions of the tongue.
Within the structure of the papillae, there are taste buds that contain specialized gustatory receptor cells. These receptor cells respond to chemical stimuli dissolved in saliva and are sensitive to the chemicals in ingested food. They release neurotransmitters based on the amount of the chemical in the food, which can activate sensory neurons in the facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus cranial nerves.