title: Biologic laws governing functions of muscles that move the mandible. Part III. Speed of closure--manipulation of the mandible.
abstract: The character of the occlusal surfaces of teeth programs the functions of muscles that move the mandible and imposes specifications upon the dentist within which he must work in manipulating the patient's mandible. If he exceeds those specifications, protective responses that inhibit his efforts are elicited in the patient's musculature. A knowledge of the laws governing functions of the muscles that move the mandible enables the dentist to acquire mandibular-manipulation skills necessary for diagnosis and effective occlusal treatment. A model in which the dentist visualizes the patient, the patient's protective reflexes, the components of the patient's gnathostomatic system, and himself as four independent personalities participating in the jaw manipulation is a useful tool in acquiring mandibular-manipulation skills. This article is Part III of a series presented in four parts on the "Biologic Laws Governing Functions of Muscles That Move the Mandible."
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003768:Dental Occlusion, Centric; D003769:Dental Occlusion, Traumatic / Q000503:physiopathology; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000502:physiology*; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D008963:Molar / Q000502:physiology; D009068:Movement; D009126:Muscle Relaxation; D012018:Reflex