Question

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?

Answer 1

Descending pathways from the brain would most likely synapse onto the facial or glossopharyngeal nerves to modulate the gustatory-salivary reflex.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gustatory-salivary reflex can be modulated 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 the facial or glossopharyngeal nerves.

Neurons in the salivary nuclei of the medulla project through these two nerves as preganglionic fibers, and synapse in ganglia located in the head.