Final answer:
The cephalic phase of gastric secretion is stimulated by the sight, taste, and smell of food. It occurs before food enters the stomach and is triggered by impulses from receptors in the taste buds or nose.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cephalic phase of gastric secretion is stimulated by the sight, taste, and smell of food. This phase occurs before food enters the stomach and is triggered by impulses from receptors in the taste buds or nose, which are relayed to the brain. The brain then sends signals to increase gastric secretion in preparation for digestion. The cephalic phase is a conditioned reflex and can be suppressed by depression or loss of appetite.