An olfactory-submandibular salivary reflex in humans
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1Biomedical Sciences Division, King's College London, Strand.
Experimental Physiology
|January 1, 1992
Abstract:
In a previous study we concluded that there is no olfactory-parotid salivary reflex in humans (Lee & Linden, 1991). The present study examines the olfactory-submandibular salivary reflex. Bilateral submandibular saliva was collected using custom-made collection devices for each of nine subjects. Salivary flow was measured in response to six appetizing odours: peppermint, vanilla, chocolate, beef, tomato and lemon. A significant increase in salivary flow was seen in response to each. There was no significant response to distilled water. We conclude that an olfactory-submandibular salivary reflex does exist in humans.