[Foundations of the neurophysiology of the masticatory organ]

The most important research findings in the field of neuro-physiology of the masticatory system are described, e.g. the clinico-neurological aspects of the swallowing reflex, cortical and subcortical control systems interfering with mastication and especially the two masticatory reflexes taking place at the level of the brain stem, the jaw-opening reflex and the jaw-jerk reflex. A short neuro-anatomic and electrophysiological description of the nucl. tractus mesencephalici, the nucl. supratrigeminalis and the dental pressosensors completes this survey. It concludes with a discussion of possible pathological reflex circles in the pathogenesis of myorthropathies.