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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Physiological, Morphological and Neurochemical Characterization of Neurons Modulated by Movement
Published on: April 21, 2011
Modulation operated by the sympathetic nervous system on jaw reflexes and masticatory movement
Magda Passatore1, Silvestro Roatta
1Department of Neuroscience-Physiology Div, University of Torino Medical School, Torino, Italy. magda.passatore@unito.it
Abstract:
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS), that is activated under condition of physical, psychological and psychosocial stress, affects force production and fatigability of muscles by controlling both muscle blood flow and the intracellular contractile mechanism. In addition SNS may affect motor function by modulating afferent activity from muscle spindles that are highly concentrated in jaw-closing muscles. Possible implications of these actions on masticatory function and myofascial pain are discussed.
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