Differential involvement of two cortical masticatory areas in modulation of the swallowing reflex in rats

► The effect of cortical masticatory areas on the swallowing reflex was investigated. ► The swallowing reflex was inhibited during A-area stimulation, but not P-area. ► Swallowing inhibition was not affected by an increase in intraoral input. ► Prior activation of the masticatory CPG did not alter swallowing inhibition. ► Swallowing inhibition may be mediated by inputs from A-area or via masticatory CPG.