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Evaluating the triplet hypothesis during rhythmic mastication in primates.

Yashesvini Ram1, Callum F Ross2

  • 1Department of Organismal Biology & Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.

The Journal of Experimental Biology
|November 15, 2017
PubMed
Summary

The primate jaw motor pattern, a conserved triplet motor pattern, is present in all studied species. Its prevalence varies, indicating a flexible rather than fixed masticatory system.

Keywords:
ChewingEMGMotor patternMotor synergy

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Area of Science:

  • Primate Mastication
  • Comparative Anatomy
  • Motor Control

Background:

  • Mammalian mastication involves complex jaw movements, including transverse motion.
  • Jaw elevation and transverse movement are controlled by asymmetrical jaw elevator muscle activity.
  • A phylogenetically conserved triplet motor pattern is hypothesized to drive these movements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the presence and prevalence of the triplet motor pattern in five primate species.
  • To evaluate the consistency of this motor pattern across different masticatory cycles and individuals.
  • To determine if the triplet motor pattern is a fixed or malleable trait in primates.

Main Methods:

  • Electromyography was used to record jaw elevator muscle activity.
  • The study analyzed five primate species: Eulemur fulvus, Propithecus verreauxi, Papio anubis, Macaca fuscata, and Pan troglodytes.
  • Mean onset, peak, and offset times relative to the working superficial masseter were calculated to identify the triplet motor pattern.

Main Results:

  • The mean triplet motor pattern was observed at peak muscle activation in all five species.
  • In four out of five species, the triplet motor pattern occurred more frequently than random at peak activation and offset.
  • Non-triplet motor patterns were observed, suggesting variability within masticatory cycles.

Conclusions:

  • The triplet motor pattern is present across diverse primate species.
  • The prevalence of the triplet motor pattern varies, indicating it is not a fixed trait.
  • Primate masticatory motor patterns are malleable within cycles, individuals, and species.