What structures on the surface of the tongue are responsible for perceiving taste?

The structures on the surface of the tongue that are responsible for perceiving taste are taste buds. Taste buds are specialized sensory organs that contain taste receptor cells, which detect the chemical molecules in food and beverages that correspond to the five basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. These taste receptor cells send signals to the brain, which interprets these signals as distinct tastes.

While papillae are the structures that house the taste buds, they are not the actual sensory receptors responsible for taste perception. Papillae refer to the small bumps on the tongue's surface, which can be categorized into different types, each serving various functions. Olfactory receptors are involved in the sense of smell, which can influence taste but do not directly perceive taste themselves. Vestibular organs are related to balance and spatial orientation and do not play a role in taste perception. Thus, taste buds are the correct answer for identifying the structures directly responsible for perceiving taste on the tongue.