Neural control of orofacial function
The Hatsopoulous and Ross Labs at the University of Chicago, pioneered the simultaneous recording of 3D jaw and tongue kinematics using XROMM and activity in populations of neurons in the orofacial sensorimotor cortex using multi-electrode arrays. These data are providing new insights into cortical control of orofacial function, including bite force, gape, and jaw and tongue movements. We are currently comparing grasping and biting behaviors to determine whether the same cortical control mechanisms are used in the two systems.