Final answer:
The goal of the cephalic phase of gastric regulation is to prepare the body for food intake by triggering salivation and secretion of gastric juices. This phase is controlled by the neural response to the stimulus provided by food.b. Prepare the body for food intake
Step-by-step explanation:
The goal of the cephalic phase of gastric regulation is to prepare the body for food intake. It is the first phase of digestion, which is controlled by the neural response to the stimulus provided by food. Sight, sense, smell, and even the thought of food trigger neural responses that result in salivation and secretion of gastric juices, preparing the stomach to receive food.