Which phase of digestion involves the activation of neural centers in the cerebral cortex due to the smell, sight, or initial taste of food?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to identify the phase of digestion that is initiated by sensory stimuli (smell, sight, taste) which activate neural centers in the cerebral cortex. We need to choose the correct phase from the provided options.
Answer
The cephalic phase.
The digestive phase that involves the activation of neural centers in the cerebral cortex due to the smell, sight, or initial taste of food is the cephalic phase.
Answer for screen readers
The digestive phase that involves the activation of neural centers in the cerebral cortex due to the smell, sight, or initial taste of food is the cephalic phase.
More Information
The cephalic phase is named because the stimuli originate in the head (cephal- refers to the head). This phase prepares the stomach for the arrival of food and accounts for about 30-40% of gastric secretion associated with a meal.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the cephalic phase with the gastric or intestinal phases, which occur after food has entered the stomach or small intestine, respectively.
Sources
- Phases of Digestion – Boundless Anatomy and Physiology - university.pressbooks.pub
- Phases of digestion - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Digestive System Regulation | Biology II - Lumen Learning - courses.lumenlearning.com
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