The cephalic phase causes ECL cells to secrete histamine and increase HCl acid in the stomach. When one’s appetite is depressed this part of the cephalic reflex is inhibited. Since this enhanced secretory activity is brought on by the thought or sight of food it is a conditioned reflex-it only occurs when we like or want food. This phase of secretion normally accounts for about 20% of the gastric secretions that are associated with eating a meal. They are transmitted through the dorsal motor nuclei of the vagi, and then through the vagus nerve to the stomach. Neurogenic signals that initiate the cephalic phase of gastric secretion originate from the cerebral cortex, and in the appetite centers of the amygdala and hypothalamus. It results from the sight, smell, thought, or taste of food and the greater the appetite, the more intense is the stimulation. The cephalic phase of gastric secretion occurs before food enters the stomach, especially while it is being eaten. cephalic phase: This occurs before food enters the stomach, especially while it is being eaten.conditioned reflex: A response, to a stimulus, that has been acquired by operant conditioning.This phase of secretion normally accounts for about 20 percent of the gastric secretion associated with eating a meal.This enhanced secretory activity is a conditioned reflex.Neurological signals originate from the cerebral cortex and in the appetite centers of the amygdala and hypothalamus.The cephalic phase of gastric secretion is initiated by the sight, smell, thought or taste of food.