Functional roles of oral reflexes in chewing and biting: Phase-, task- and site-dependent reflex sensitivity

Because loading during chewing is not totally predictable and jaw-closing muscles are strong and act over short distances, feedback from oral receptors is important in the control of mastication. Information on such feedback can be obtained by studying reflexes in jaw muscle EMGs. This review will deal with the contribution of reflex mechanisms to modifying motor neuron activity during chewing, and the dependency of reflex sensitivity on motor task, phase of movement, and site of stimulation.