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Related Concept Videos

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...
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.
Lobes of the Cerebrum01:22

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.
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,...
Cerebral Hemispheres01:05

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...
Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory01:14

Role of Cerebellum and Prefrontal Cortex in Memory

The cerebellum, while traditionally associated with motor control, also plays a crucial role in memory, particularly in procedural memory, which involves learning motor tasks that become automatic through repetition. For example, studies have shown that when the cerebellum is damaged, individuals or animals lose the ability to learn conditioned motor responses, such as the conditioned eye-blink response in classical conditioning experiments with rabbits. This study demonstrates the cerebellum's...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

In Vivo Visualization of Spontaneous Activity in Neonatal Mouse Sensory Cortex at a Single-Neuron Resolution
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In Vivo Visualization of Spontaneous Activity in Neonatal Mouse Sensory Cortex at a Single-Neuron Resolution

Published on: November 21, 2023

Barrel cortex function.

Dirk Feldmeyer1, Michael Brecht, Fritjof Helmchen

  • 1Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, INM-2, D-52425 Jülich, Germany.

Progress in Neurobiology
|December 1, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Understanding neocortical function requires integrating microscopic insights into local circuits with macroscopic views of interconnected modules. The vibrissal touch system in rodents offers a powerful model for this combined approach.

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Last Updated: May 16, 2026

In Vivo Visualization of Spontaneous Activity in Neonatal Mouse Sensory Cortex at a Single-Neuron Resolution
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Transmission Electron Microscopy as the Visualization Technique for Analysis of Circadian Synaptic Plasticity in the Mouse Barrel Cortex
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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • The neocortex, responsible for mammalian cognitive abilities, is organized into interconnected columns.
  • Cortical columns are considered fundamental processing units, each containing thousands of neurons.
  • Understanding neocortical function necessitates integrating micro-level circuit analysis with macro-level network interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the necessity of combining microscopic and macroscopic approaches for understanding neocortical function.
  • To highlight the vibrissal touch system in rodents as an exemplary model for this integrated strategy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on neocortical organization and function.
  • Exemplification using the vibrissal touch system in rodents.
  • Discussion of advanced genetic and behavioral tools for neuronal activity monitoring and manipulation.

Main Results:

  • The vibrissal touch system provides a unique model to link macroscopic behavioral contexts with microscopic columnar processing.
  • Primary somatosensory cortex barrel columns process whisker input with high detail.
  • Advances in genetic and behavioral tools enable precise investigation of neuronal activity.

Conclusions:

  • A combined microscopic and macroscopic approach is crucial for understanding neocortical function.
  • The vibrissal touch model system is well-suited for integrating these approaches.
  • This integrated strategy promises significant advancements in neuroscience research.