This article provides an outline of the neural mechanisms that are involved in the somatosensory and motor functions of the face and mouth and, in a more limited sense, of the pharynx and larynx. The article focuses on the neural basis of orofacial touch, temperature, and pain and gives particular emphasis to the latter, because pain commonly occurs in the skin, teeth, muscles, joint, and other tissues of the orofacial region and humans can have long-term suffering from several pain states or syndromes in the face and mouth. Particular attention is also given to the neural processes underlying the many reflex and other motor functions manifested in the orofacial region, especially those related to mastication (chewing), swallowing, and associated neuromuscular functions. Few details are provided of some other important functions of the face and mouth (e.g., smell, taste, speech).