Afferent nerves from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were excited naturally and electrically to study mandibular reflexes initiated from the TMJ. Vertical jaw movements were initiated by electric stimulation of the joint and branches of the auriculotemporal nerve (ATN). Jaw opening was produced in 12 of 14 cats tested by electric stimulation of the ATN or its branches, and in 3 of 5 cats tested by electric stimulation of the interior of the TMJ. Mechanical stimulation rarely produced jaw opening. Neither electric nor mechanical stimulation produced jaw closure.
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