As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted by dozing Henry's nose, his mouth started to water and his stomach began to rumble. Explain his reactions in terms of ANS activity.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the autonomic nervous system (ANS) division involved: The parasympathetic nervous system is primarily responsible for stimulating digestive activities such as salivation and increased stomach motility.
2. Explain the role of the parasympathetic nervous system: When Henry smells coffee, sensory input from his olfactory system triggers the parasympathetic response, which prepares the digestive system for food intake.
3. Describe the effect on salivary glands: Parasympathetic activation causes increased secretion of saliva, which moistens the mouth and begins the digestion process, leading to Henry's mouth watering.
4. Describe the effect on the stomach: Parasympathetic stimulation increases gastric motility and secretion of digestive juices, causing the stomach muscles to contract and produce the rumbling sensation.
5. Summarize the overall ANS activity: The parasympathetic division of the ANS coordinates these responses to prepare the body for digestion in response to sensory cues like the aroma of coffee.

Key Concepts

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Overview

The ANS controls involuntary bodily functions and is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. It regulates activities like heart rate, digestion, and salivation without conscious effort, responding to internal and external stimuli.

Parasympathetic Nervous System and Digestive Response

The parasympathetic system promotes 'rest and digest' activities, stimulating salivation and increasing digestive secretions. When Henry smells coffee, this system activates to prepare the body for food intake, causing his mouth to water and stomach to rumble.

Conditioned Reflexes and Sensory Stimuli

Sensory cues like the aroma of coffee can trigger conditioned reflexes via the ANS, linking smell to digestive responses. This learned association causes automatic physiological reactions, such as salivation and stomach activity, even before eating.