Final answer:
Autonomic reflexes in the digestive system that operate without central nervous system involvement are called short reflexes, and they're controlled by the enteric nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Autonomic reflexes of the digestive tract that do not involve the central nervous system (CNS) are described as short reflexes. These reflexes are mediated by the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is embedded in the walls of the alimentary canal. Short reflexes are typically triggered by conditions within the gut, such as the presence of food that distends the stomach, prompting a local response.
For example, these reflexes can increase the motility of the digestive tract or stimulate the secretion of digestive juices without any involvement from the CNS, relying instead on the direct activation of neurons within the walls of the digestive organs.