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Updated: May 13, 2026

Stimulating the Lip Motor Cortex with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Published on: June 14, 2014
The motor cortex: a network tuned to 7-14 Hz
1Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia, PA, USA.
The motor cortex exhibits unique 7-14 Hz brain oscillations, potentially due to specialized excitatory networks. These oscillations are state-dependent and absent during arousal, suggesting distinct physiological specialization across neocortical areas.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cortical Physiology
Background:
- The human neocortex has over 52 distinct areas with specialized functions.
- While anatomical and functional specialization are known, cellular and network physiology across areas are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specialized cellular and network physiology across neocortical areas.
- To explore the unique oscillatory properties of the motor cortex.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on neocortical area specialization.
- Focus on oscillatory activity in the motor cortex.
Main Results:
- The motor cortex shows a propensity for 7-14 Hz oscillations.
- This frequency range is associated with augmenting responses, mu and beta oscillations, and abnormal discharges.
- Augmenting responses are abolished during behavioral arousal.
Conclusions:
- The motor cortex may possess unique excitatory networks contributing to its distinct oscillatory physiology.
- Cellular and network physiology show specialization across neocortical areas, influenced by behavioral state.
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