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Chapter 5: Problem 43

As mentioned earlier, a food's flavor represents an interaction of both gustatory and olfactory information. Think about the last time you were seriously congested due to a cold or the flu. What changes did you notice in the flavors of the foods that you ate during this time?

Short Answer

Expert verified
When a person is congested due to a cold or flu, he or she may notice that food doesn't taste as flavorful as usual. This change occurs because congestion blocks the nose, inhibiting the person's ability to smell foods fully. Since smell contributes significantly to our perception of flavor, these diminished olfactory cues result in a blander taste perception.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the relationship between smell and taste

The gustatory system, or sense of taste, is one aspect of our perceptions of food flavors. At the same time, olfactory information—our sense of smell—contributes significantly since it enhances sensory information about the food we eat. An example is how food often tastes bland when our noses are blocked due to a cold or the flu.
02

Relate personal experience

Think about a time when you had a severe cold or flu and were severely congested. You might have noticed that the food you ate during that time did not taste the same as it usually did. It may have seemed bland or less flavorful.
03

Explain the reason behind the changes

The change in the taste is due to the reduced contribution of the olfactory information. Since your nose was blocked, you couldn't smell the food as well as you usually could. This situation lessens the perceived flavor of food since both gustatory and olfactory senses couldn’t work together effectively.

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