Orosensory considerations.

Abstract

The chemical senses (taste, smell, and chemical irritation) convey information from the external to the internal environment. This information influences an organism's quality of life, safety, reproductive function, and, to the present point, nutritional status. To illustrate this role, the effects of chemosensory stimulation on food choice, gastrointestinal function, and energy balance will be briefly reviewed. Each role is achieved, in part, by the chemosensory cue initiating anticipatory responses for an impending homeostatic challenge, a meal.