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Related Concept Videos

Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex01:14

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.
Direct Motor Pathways01:11

Direct Motor Pathways

The direct motor pathways, also known as the pyramidal tracts, are a group of neural pathways that originate in the brain and descend through the spinal cord. They control the voluntary movement of the body. There are two major direct motor pathways: the corticospinal and the corticobulbar tracts.
The corticospinal tract is responsible for the voluntary movement of the limbs and trunk. It originates in the cerebral cortex of the brain and descends through the cerebrum's internal capsule and the...
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex01:23

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...
Brainstem01:19

Brainstem

The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
Association Areas of the Cortex01:21

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,...
Indirect Motor Pathways01:22

Indirect Motor Pathways

The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...

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Related Experiment Video

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In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior
07:52

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Published on: November 22, 2021

Cortical networks subserving upper limb movements in primates.

J H Kaas1, I Stepniewska, O Gharbawie

  • 1Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-7817, USA. jon.h.kaas@vanderbilt.edu

European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
|March 13, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The primate motor cortex, including M1, PMC, and PPC, is organized into functional zones controlling hand and arm movements. These zones are interconnected and exhibit plasticity, allowing for recovery after damage.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Motor Control
  • Primate Cognition

Background:

  • The primate brain relies on interconnected cortical regions for hand and arm movement control.
  • Primary motor cortex (M1), premotor cortex (PMC), and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) are key areas involved in motor execution.
  • These regions receive significant input from visual, somatosensory, and prefrontal cortical areas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent evidence on the functional organization of M1, PMC, and PPC.
  • To highlight the subdivision of these cortical regions into functional zones.
  • To discuss the interconnectedness, functional roles, and plasticity of these motor control domains.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent neuroscientific evidence.
  • Analysis of functional zones defined by microstimulation-evoked movements.
  • Examination of the impact of functional zone inactivation on motor behavior.

Main Results:

  • M1, PMC, and PPC can be subdivided into distinct functional zones.
  • Functional zones are interconnected, particularly those involved in similar movement sequences.
  • Inactivation of specific functional zones results in differential effects on motor behavior.
  • Significant neural plasticity exists within these motor networks, enabling recovery.

Conclusions:

  • The primate motor cortex is functionally organized into interconnected domains for hand and arm control.
  • These functional zones possess unique roles and exhibit plasticity, crucial for motor behavior and recovery.
  • Understanding these subdivisions provides insight into the neural basis of skilled movements.