Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Multiscale Investigations of Cortical Processing by Integrating Laminar Polytrodes and Optogenetics with Micro Electrocorticography in Rodents
Published on: May 23, 2025
[The role played by the parietooccipital cortex in the process of sensory-motor integration: an
S Machado1, M Cunha, C E Portella
1Laboratorio de Topografía Cerebral e Integración Sensoriomotora, IPUB/UFRJ, Universidad Federal Fluminense, Brasil. secm80@ig.com.br
Introduction:
A fundamental aspect of planning future actions is the performance and control of motor tasks. This behaviour is done through sensory-motor integration.
Aim:
To explain the electrophysiological mechanisms in the cortex (modifications to the alpha band) that are involved in anticipatory actions when individuals have to catch a free-falling object.
Subjects And Methods:
The sample was made up of 20 healthy subjects of both sexes (11 males and 9 females) with ages ranging between 25 and 40 years (32.5 +/- 7.5) who were free of mental or physical diseases (previous medical history); the subjects were right-handed (Edinburgh Inventory) and were not taking any psychoactive or psychotropic substances at the time of the study. The experiment consisted in a task in which subjects had to catch freely falling objects. The experiment was made up of six blocks of 15 tests, each of which lasted 2 minutes and 30 seconds, with a break of one minute between blocks. Data were captured by means of a quantitative electroencephalogram two seconds before and two seconds after each ball was dropped.
Results:
An interaction of the factors moment and position was only observed for the right parietooccipital cortex, in the combination of electrodes P4-O2.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that the right parietooccipital cortex plays an important role in increasing expectation and swiftness in the processes of preparing for a motor task.
Related Concept Videos
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
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.
Association Areas of the Cortex
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,...
Major Somatic Sensory Pathways
Lobes of the Cerebrum
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements.

