Which statement correctly compares the effects of autonomic stimulation on salivary secretion?

• A Parasympathetic stimulation produces copious, watery saliva rich in amylase ✓
• B Sympathetic stimulation produces copious, watery, enzyme-rich saliva
• C Parasympathetic stimulation produces scanty, thick, mucoid saliva
• D Both divisions produce identical volumes with different enzyme content

Explanation

Parasympathetic (cholinergic) stimulation produces large volumes of watery saliva containing amylase and mucus, the basis of secretagogue effects of pilocarpine. Sympathetic stimulation produces a small volume of thick, viscous, mucin-rich saliva, which is why a dry mouth accompanies fear. Option B reverses the two divisions, and options C and D contradict the well-established volume difference.

Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.

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