Secretion of saliva

[Primarygun]

Which systen is responsible for the secretion of saliva?

The nervous system?

[mezarashi]

IIRC, there are glands under your jaw area that secrete saliva.

[Primarygun]

What's the full name of IIRC?

But, can't the medulla oblongata control it?

[mezarashi]

[if I recall correctly]

 

and well, of course saliva secretion isn't a voluntary process. You can't tell yourself to secrete lots of it when you want

[Primarygun]

I think I'll learn it but I want myself to be clear at the moment.

Medulla oblongata's responsible for involuntary actions.

So..does it play the role? and Involuntary action=reflex action only?

[donkey]

Saliva secretion is controlled by the CNS. It's controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system.

 

According to wikipedia, it's controlled by acetylcholine stimulating muscarinic M3 receptors. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasympathetic_nervous_system)

[Glider]

The parasympathetic system is not strictly a part of the CNS, it's a part of the ANS (Autonomic Nervous System). Saliva secretion is controlled by the sympathetic and parasypathetic divisions of the ANS, which work in balance but opposition to each other.

[Primarygun]

What's the difference between Autonomic Nervous System and exocrine system?

The latter secrets hormone but the former doesn't stimulate it?