Abstract
The aim of this talk is to discuss the reflex control of the human masticatory system and put forward a method for standardized investigation. To standardize the stimulation protocol, we need make sure that we stimulate peripheral receptors one receptor system at a time with minimal activation of other receptors. This stimulation should also be done in an efficient and reproducible way. It is also necessary to standardize the method for recording and analysing the response of the motoneurons to the stimulation of each receptor system. For that, a new technique is introduced and its advantages over the currently used methods are discussed. The new technique uses the changes in discharge rate of motor units in response to a stimulus to illustrate the synaptic potential that is induced in the motoneuron. With the delivery exact stimuli to individual receptor systems during various stages of mastication, and the use of the new frequency-based method to analyse synaptic connections between stimulated afferents and motoneurons, it is now possible to provide important new knowledge on the control of human mastication by the peripheral feedback. This knowledge is necessary in order to understand the functional connectivity of the jaw muscles and it will form the basis for improving current methods in diagnosing and treating painful disorders of the trigeminal region. Supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. [J Physiol Sci. 2007;57 Suppl:S12]
