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Brainstem circuits that control mastication: do they have anything to say during speech?
1Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Montreal, Que. H3A 2B2, Canada. james.lund@mcgill.ca
Journal of Communication Disorders
|August 4, 2006
Summary
The brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Sensory Systems
Background:
- Mastication involves a neural pattern generator interacting with sensory feedback.
- This pattern generator's characteristics change with food properties and age.
- Significant individual variations exist in chewing movements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the central pattern generator (CPG) for mastication.
- To detail CPG interactions with sensory inputs and higher brain centers.
- To explore the link between brainstem circuits for mastication and speech.
Main Methods:
- Review of neural mechanisms underlying mastication.
- Analysis of sensory feedback pathways influencing jaw movements.
- Examination of CPG structure and function in the pons and medulla.
Main Results:
- The central pattern generator (CPG) for mastication is located in the pons and medulla.
- Sensory receptors in the mouth, muscles, and joints powerfully influence CPG output.
- CPG reorganization underlies changes in masticatory patterns.
Conclusions:
- Brainstem circuits controlling mastication are fundamental to chewing.
- These circuits are modulated by sensory feedback and higher brain centers.
- Similar brainstem systems may also control human speech production.
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