The tiny bumps present on the tongue are called taste buds. These taste buds are responsible for our sense of taste, allowing us to detect different flavors like sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.

Taste buds are located on the surface of the tongue and are clustered in groups called papillae. There are four different types of papillae, each with a different appearance and function. They are:

1. Filiform papillae: These are the most numerous and smallest papillae on the tongue. They do not contain taste buds and are responsible for providing texture to the tongue.

2. Fungiform papillae: These papillae are mushroom-shaped and scattered throughout the tongue. They contain taste buds on their upper surface, allowing us to taste different flavors.

3. Foliate papillae: These papillae are located on the sides of the tongue and contain taste buds during childhood. However, they tend to decrease in number as we age.

4. Circumvallate papillae: These are the largest papillae and are located at the back of the tongue in a V-shaped row. They contain a larger number of taste buds compared to other papillae.

Each taste bud consists of 50-100 specialized cells called taste receptors or gustatory cells. These cells have hair-like projections called taste hairs or microvilli, which extend into the taste pore. When we eat or drink something, the molecules from the food or beverage interact with these taste hairs, sending signals to the brain to interpret the taste.

It's important to note that taste buds are not the only factor that contributes to our sense of taste. Our sense of smell also plays a significant role. The taste buds can only detect basic flavors, while the sense of smell helps to enhance and differentiate those flavors. This is why our ability to taste may be affected when we have a stuffy nose or a cold.

In conclusion, taste buds are the tiny bumps present on the tongue that contain taste receptors responsible for our sense of taste. They are located on different types of papillae and work in conjunction with our sense of smell to allow us to taste different flavors.