Short and long-latency responses in human masseter muscle evoked by chin taps

Ten healthy subjects received downward, backward and upward chin taps with standardized force and direction. Taps in all three directions elicited short (M1) and long (M2 and M3)-latency excitatory EMG responses in the masseter muscle. M1 (mean latency 8.9 ms, amplitude 150 microV) occurred more frequently and with shorter latency during clenching than during relaxation or opening. Downward taps were more efficient in evoking jaw-jerks (25 per cent) than upward (14 per cent) and backward ones (16 per cent). M2 was a weak biphasic deflection occurring during the silent period (mean latency 42 ms, amplitude 87 microV) and M3 was an EMG burst following the silent period (mean latency 69.3 ms, amplitude 169 microV). No long-latency evoked responses were obtained from the relaxed masseter. Thus, muscle stretch increases M1 response frequency but is not a necessary prerequisite. The hypothesis that vibratory transmission plays an important role was confirmed. Voluntary activation of the stimulated muscle (clenching) increases M1-response frequency and shortens response latency.