The position of taste buds around the human mouth,
pharynx and larynx is outlined in many texts. While their
distribution, histological differences and taste sensitivity on
the dorsum of the tongue are well described, extralingual
taste buds are described in far less detail both in adults
(Bannister, 1995) and neonates (Lalonde & Eglitis, 1961).
Studies on a variety of grazing mammals (e.g. Bradley et al.
1980 in sheep; Shrestha et al. 1993 in buffalo), omnivores
(Andrew & Oliver, 1951 in rat) and carnivores (Palmieri et
al. 1983 in cat and dog) have shown abundant taste buds on
the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis. Some authors have
suggested that these taste buds may be important in
initiating reflexes protecting the airway (Bradley et al. 1980)
and in this context it is surprising that literature on their
distribution on the human epiglottis is not available.