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Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at the...

Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex

Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex

The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.

Lobes of the Cerebrum

Lobes of the Cerebrum

The cerebral cortex, a critical structure of the brain, is intricately divided into two hemispheres, each consisting of four distinct lobes: occipital, temporal, frontal, and parietal. These lobes function cooperatively to regulate various cognitive and sensory functions, forming the basis of our complex neural capabilities.
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements.

Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview II

Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview II

Each cerebral hemisphere can be divided into three main regions. The outermost region, the cerebral cortex, is a thin layer (2 to 4 millimeters thick) made up of gray matter, consisting of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, glial cells, and blood vessels. The middle region, or white matter, is primarily composed of myelinated nerve fibers organized into three types of large tracts: association fibers, commissures, and projection fibers. Association fibers connect different areas within the same...

Association Areas of the Cortex

Association Areas of the Cortex

Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...

Cerebral Hemispheres

Cerebral Hemispheres

The human brain, a complex organ, is functionally divided into two cerebral hemispheres—left and right. These hemispheres are interconnected by a structure of paramount importance, the corpus callosum. This substantial bundle of neural fibers is not just a bridge between the hemispheres but a crucial element for the brain's comprehensive functioning. It enables efficient communication between the two hemispheres, allowing each side of the brain to control and receive sensory and motor...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Visualization of Cortical Modules in Flattened Mammalian Cortices

Visualization of Cortical Modules in Flattened Mammalian Cortices

Published on: January 22, 2018

Area patterning of the mammalian cortex.

Dennis D M O'Leary¹, Shen-Ju Chou, Setsuko Sahara

¹Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. doleary@salk.edu

|October 30, 2007

Summary

Developing mammalian neocortex patterning, or arealization, involves genetic and thalamocortical inputs. Key transcription factors and signaling molecules from patterning centers regulate cortical area development.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Developmental Biology
Genetics

Background:

Neocortical arealization is crucial for brain function.
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of cortical area patterning is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe the mechanisms regulating area patterning of the developing mammalian neocortex.
To review current findings on intrinsic genetic mechanisms and extrinsic thalamocortical input in arealization.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on neocortical development.
Analysis of signaling molecules and transcription factors involved in patterning centers.

Main Results:

Arealization involves an interplay between intrinsic genetic factors and extrinsic thalamocortical input.
Patterning centers (commissural plate, cortical hem) secrete morphogens and signaling molecules.
Specific transcription factors (COUP-TFI, Emx2, Pax6, Sp8) with graded expression determine cortical area identity, size, and position.

Conclusions:

Intrinsic mechanisms involve morphogen gradients and transcription factor interactions.
Extrinsic information from thalamocortical input plays a significant role.
These mechanisms collectively establish the functional areas of the mammalian neocortex.