Reflexes Elicitable in Jaw Muscles and Their Role During Jaw Function and Dysfunction: A Review of the Literature. Part I: Receptors Associated with the Masticatory System

The enormous amount of literature on jaw function, swallowing, and respiration reflects the complexity of orofacial function. This paper, the first of a series of three, describes the central mechanisms of jaw movement and provides an overview of the oral receptors believed to be involved. Subsequent articles in the series will deal with the central connections of orofacial afferents, observed reflexes in the jaw muscles, and their possible relationship to function and dysfunction.