Research findings related to the functional significance of the gustatory neocortical system of the rat are reviewed and interpreted. Studies of gustatory neocortex (GN) involvement in taste-related cognitive processes are emphasized after briefly reviewing GN anatomy and physiology. Evidence is presented supporting the conclusion that the GN contributes relatively little to fundamental taste reactivity, but is deeply involved in cognitive (learning and memorial) taste processes; that is, "reactive salience" to taste stimuli is preserved following GN ablation, while "associative salience" is markedly degraded. Apparent functional similarities between GN and other sensory neocortical areas are emphasized throughout the paper, and a hierarchical view of gustatory system functioning is addressed.Patton began his 1950 review of the chemical senses by pointing out that taste and smell essentially had been neglected relative to the other sensory systems. As a partial explanation for this neglect, he men-

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