Review Face sensorimotor cortex and its neuroplasticity related to orofacial sensorimotor functions Limor Avivi-Arber a,b, *, Ruth Martin c,d , Jye-Chang Lee b , Barry J. Sessle b a Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada b Department of Oral Physiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada c School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada d Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................. 1441 2. Overview of orofacial motor functions ............................................................ 1442 3. Sensorimotor circuits ......................................................................... 1442 4. Face sensorimotor cortex: morphological features ................................................... 1443 archives of oral biology 56 (2011) 1440–1465 article info Article history: Accepted 6 April 2011 Keywords: Motor control Somatosensory Plasticity Muscles Teeth abstract This review describes evidence in subprimates and primates that the face primary somato- sensory cortex (face SI) and primary motor cortex (face MI) are involved in sensorimotor integration and control of orofacial motor functions that include semiautomatic move- ments (e.g., chewing, swallowing) and voluntary movements (e.g., jaw-opening). The review also notes that the neuroplastic capabilities of the face SI and face MI have recently been documented, and may reflect or allow for functional adaptation (or maladaptation) of the orofacial sensorimotor system to an altered oral state or oral motor behaviour. They may contribute to the processes whereby patients undergoing oral rehabilitation can (or cannot) restore the lost orofacial sensorimotor functions. Such understanding is important since pain, injuries to the oral tissues, and alterations to the dental occlusion induced by tooth loss or attrition are common occurrences in humans that may sometimes be accompanied by impaired oral sensorimotor functions. Furthermore, impaired oral sensorimotor functions are common in many neurological disorders, sometimes making the most vital functions of eating, swallowing and speaking difficult and thereby reducing the patient’s quality of life. It has also been well documented that such negative consequences can be improved following oral rehabilitation as patients adapt, for example, to a new dental prosthesis aimed at restoring function. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms and cortical neuroplastic processes underlying orofacial sensorimotor functions and adaptation is also important for the development of new therapeutic strategies to facilitate recovery of patients suffering from orofacial pain and sensorimotor disorders and improve their quality of life. # 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. * Corresponding author at: Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Tel.: +1 647 225 2647. E-mail address: limor.avivi.arber@utoronto.ca (L. Avivi-Arber). available at www.sciencedirect.com journal homepage: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/aob 0003–9969/$ – see front matter # 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2011.04.005