What are reeds used for on a 2 stroke motor?

The reeds in a 2 stroke engine perform the same task as intake valves in a 4 stroke engine. The reeds are mounted to a flat plate, or a cage, positioned behind the carburetor(s). On the intake / compression stroke, the reeds are pulled open, exposing the holes milled into the plate, or cage, allowing the fuel charge to be pulled into the engine crankcase from the carburetor. During the power, or exhaust stroke, as the piston moves down the cylinder, the reed valves are forced back against the plate / cage, preventing the fuel charge from being forced back out of the crankcase. This fuel charge is then forced around the crankshaft, (lubricating the rods and bearings), and into intake ports, which are milled into the side of the cylinder wall. As the piston travels back up the cylinder, the intake port is closed off, the exhaust from the previous stroke is expelled, and a fresh fuel charge is drawn into the crankcase via the reed valves. This cycle is repeated over and over, amazing these engines are so durable.