Abstract #1164

Kim C, Peck K, Petrovich N, Kraus D, Holodny A, Bogomolny D, Hou B

We contributed evidence toward the determination of the neural network involved in salivation. Functional MRI results demonstrated that the salivation activated three cortical areas: the left orbital gyrus - a crucial part of the olfactory system, the left and right insula related to the gustatory system, and the postcentral (sensory) gyrus. These areas were activated even by the Imagination paradigm when the subjects did not actually taste, smell or touch the lemon on the screen. This appears to represent the well-know Pavlovian response seen in animals and humans.