The first step in stimulus-secretion coupling is release of a neurotransmitter.

Afferent pathways: taste; facial (VII) and glossopharyngeal (IX) nerves to solitary nucleus in the medulla. Also input from higher centres in response to smell etc.

Efferent pathways: Parasympathetic; sublingual and submandibular from facial nerve via submandibular ganglion. Parotid from glossopharyngeal via otic ganglion. Sympathetic post ganglionic from cervical ganglion of sympathetic chain.

The primary stimulus for salivation is taste and afferent input is carried to the solitary nucleus in the medulla via the facial (VII) and glossopharyneal (IX) nerves. Input from other senses, such as smell and sight are also integrated in the solitary nucleus.

Parasympathetic efferent pathways for the sublingual and submandibular glands are from the facial nerve via the submandibular ganglion and for the parotid gland from the glossopharangeal nerve via the otic ganglion. These pathways regulate fluid secretion by releasing acetylcholine (ACh) at the surface of the salivary gland acinar cells.

Macromolecule secretion is regulated by noradrenalin (NorAd or norepinephrine, US) release from sympathetic nerves. Sympathethic post ganglionic pathways are from the cervical ganglion of the sympathetic chain.

The division between parasympathetic and sympathetic control of different aspects of the secretory process is blurred slightly because parasympathetic nerves may also release peptides, such as substance P and Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) and also, NorAd will also bind to Ca²⁺-mobilising α adrenergic receptors.