AIR-FLOW RECEPTORS IN THE LIP AND BUCCAL MUCOSA

Airflow receptor afferents in the oral mucosa responding to changes in intraoral air pressure during blowing were found to be innervated by the infraorbital nerve. They provided one response corresponding to the onset of blowing, a second related to an increase in air pressure, a third corresponding to the cessation of blowing, and a fourth that exhibited little change throughout sustained blowing. Intraoral air pressure in the cavity between the lips and the velopharyngeal portal may be monitored by these receptors, and the data they provide may contribute to the control of phonation.