Andrew Huberman· PhD
Bitter receptors are there to make sure we don't ingest things that are poisonous. How do I know this? How can I say that? Even though I was definitely not consulted at the design phase, how can I say that? Well, the bitter receptors create a what we call labeled line, a unique trajectory to the neurons of the brainstem that control the [gags], the gag reflex. If we taste something very bitter it automatically triggers the gag reflex.