Question

What is the cephalic phase of digestion?

• A. Stimuli which causes psychological changes before the food enters the body
• B. Stimuli which causes no changes before the food enters the body
• C. Stimuli which causes both physiological and psychological changes
• D. Stimuli which causes physiological changes before the food enters the body

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Stimuli which causes physiological changes before the food enters the body

Before the food enters the body, the digestive system can respond to external stimuli, such as the sight or smell of food and cause physiological changes. This reflex is called as the cephalic phase of digestion. The sight and smell of food are strong enough stimuli to cause salivation, enzyme secretion (gastric and pancreatic) and endocrine secretion in preparation for the incoming nutrients; by starting the digestive process before food reaches the stomach, the body is able to more effectively and efficiently metabolize food into necessary nutrients. Once food hits the mouth, taste and information from receptors in the mouth add to the response.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D.