Final answer:
Salivation can be stimulated by the sight, smell, and taste of food. The autonomic nervous system regulates the secretion of saliva, with parasympathetic stimulation keeping saliva flowing at a comfortable level in the absence of food. During times of stress, sympathetic stimulation takes over, reducing salivation and causing dry mouth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Salivation can be stimulated by the sight, smell, and taste of food. It can even be stimulated by thinking about food. The autonomic nervous system regulates the secretion of saliva, with parasympathetic stimulation keeping saliva flowing at a comfortable level in the absence of food. During times of stress, sympathetic stimulation takes over, reducing salivation and causing dry mouth.