Modulation operated by the sympathetic nervous system on jaw reflexes and masticatory movement.
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.
Passatore
Magda
M
Department of Neuroscience-Physiology Div, University of Torino Medical School, Torino, Italy. magda.passatore@unito.it
Roatta
Silvestro
S
D004576:Electromyography; D005152:Facial Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007568:Jaw / Q000502:physiology; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000294:innervation*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*