Final answer:
The B. cephalic phase of gastric secretion is a conditioned reflex that begins before food enters the stomach, involving sensory stimuli such as sight and smell that trigger preparatory responses like salivation and gastric juice secretion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some aspects of the cephalic phase of gastric secretion, which occur before food enters the stomach, may be considered conditioned reflexes. The cephalic phase, also known as the reflex phase, triggers gastric secretions in anticipation of food as a result of sensory experiences such as the smell, taste, sight, or even thought of food. The central nervous system sends signals that prepare the stomach for the impending task of digestion. This preparatory response includes the increased secretion of saliva and gastric juices.
A key aspect of this intricate process is that it's a conditioned reflex: for instance, when you see or smell a favorite food like a piece of sushi, your body reacts by starting the digestive process even before you have taken a bite. However, psychological states like depression and a loss of appetite can dampen or suppress the cephalic phase reflexes.