Central pattern generation and the motor infrastructure for suck, respiration, and speech

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Speech Science

Background:

• Central pattern generators (CPGs) are neural circuits responsible for rhythmic, patterned motor outputs.
• These CPGs are crucial for various behaviors, including locomotion, breathing, and orofacial functions.
• Understanding CPG modulation is key to comprehending complex motor control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review experimental findings on CPGs and their modulation.
• To emphasize the role of CPGs in speech production and orofacial muscle systems.
• To explore how sensory and descending inputs influence CPGs.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental findings across animal and human models.
• Focus on studies investigating centrally patterned movements.
• Analysis of sensory and descending modulation of CPGs.

Main Results:

• CPGs controlling orofacial motor behavior are modulated by descending and sensory inputs.
• This modulation is relevant for speech breathing, suck, and mastication.
• CPG processes can be recombined for speech development and production.

Conclusions:

• CPGs are adaptable neural circuits influenced by external and internal signals.
• Modulation of CPGs is a fundamental control mechanism for patterned motor behaviors.
• Insights into CPG function have implications for understanding and treating motor disorders.