The gustatory-salivary reflex can be modulated (dampened or enhanced) by input from higher centers in the central nervous system. To modulate the salivary response, descending pathways from the brain would most likely synapse onto which part of the reflex arc?

Question

Mario

Social Studies

15 January, 21:20

The gustatory-salivary reflex can be modulated (dampened or enhanced) by input from higher centers in the central nervous system. To modulate the salivary response, descending pathways from the brain would most likely synapse onto which part of the reflex arc?

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Answers (1)

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Raphael Adkins · Answer 1

They make synapses in the otic ganglion

Explanation:

The activity of the parasympathetic nervous system on the organs is restricted and specific, with little amplifying divergence. It acts in functions such as digestion or sleep, and is not usually activated in a generalized way, but individually and independently.

The fibers that come from the inferior salivary nucleus leave through the glossopharyngeal (IX cranial nerve), synapse in the otic ganglion and end up innervating the parotid salivary glands.