Central sensitization and related neurochemical mechanisms are also induced in V nociceptive pathways after craniofacial injury or inflammation. Their characteristics raise additional possibilities that may explain some of the phenomena outlined by coderre & katz, dickenson, and wiesenfeld-hallin et al. They also underscore the need for therapeutic approaches to reduce nociceptive inputs to the CNS or their neuroplastic effects which can potentially enhance post-traumatic pain.

Several lines of evidence have underscored the remarkable neuroplasticity of the primate sensorimotor cortex, characterizing these cortical areas as dynamic constructs that are modelled in a use-dependent manner by behaviourally significant experiences. Their plasticity likely provides a neural substrate that may contribute to the dynamic systems paradigm argued by Shanker & King (S&K) as crucial for development of communication skills.

This commentary focusses on MacNeilage's arguments and evidence that the development of cerebral cortical controls over cyclic ingestive movements has provided substrates for the evolution of speech production. It outlines evidence from experimental approaches using cortical stimulation, inactivation, and single neuron recording in primates that lateral frontal cortical regions are indeed crucial for the generation and guidance of cyclic orofacial movements.