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01:18Hierarchy of Motor Control
The hierarchy of motor control refers to the different levels of organization and processing involved in controlling movement in the body. These levels range from higher cortical areas involved in planning and decision-making to lower spinal cord reflexes that respond automatically to external stimuli.
01:23Somatosensory, 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...
01:19High-Level and Low-Level Awareness
Controlled processes in human consciousness represent high-alert mental states where individuals deliberately focus their attention on achieving specific goals. Controlled processes can be seen in situations like mastering new technology, where a person might become so absorbed that they ignore surrounding distractions. Such processes involve selective attention, requiring one to concentrate on particular elements of experience while disregarding others. These are governed by executive...
01:14Motor 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.
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.
01:27Diencephalon: Thalamus and Information Relay
The thalamus, often called “the gateway to the cerebral cortex,” is vital in processing and directing sensory and motor signals throughout the brain. Almost all inputs destined for the cerebral cortex, except for olfactory signals, are relayed through the thalamus. The thalamus is a sophisticated relay station, channeling information from various brain regions to the cerebral cortex, as well as a filter, prioritizing certain signals over others based on current physiological states or needs.
01:22Lobes 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.
Frontal lobe
The frontal lobes, located behind the forehead, are the command center of our brain, controlling personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movements.
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Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
10:19
Induction of an Isoelectric Brain State to Investigate the Impact of Endogenous Synaptic Activity on Neuronal Excitability In Vivo
Published on: March 31, 2016
Top-down control of cortical state.
1UCL Institute of Neurology, 21 University Street, London WC1E 6DE, UK. kenneth.harris@ucl.ac.uk
Neuron
|August 13, 2013
Summary
Motor cortex inputs can shift the sensory barrel cortex into a desynchronized state. This state improves the brain
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory processing
- Cortical circuits
Background:
- Sensory cortices receive input from both the thalamus and higher-order cortical areas.
- Understanding the role of cortical inputs in sensory processing is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how motor cortical inputs influence sensory processing in the barrel cortex.
- To determine if motor cortex activation can alter sensory representation fidelity.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings in rodent barrel cortex.
- Stimulation of motor cortical pathways.
- Analysis of neural activity patterns and sensory evoked potentials.
Main Results:
- Motor cortical inputs were shown to induce a desynchronized state in the barrel cortex.
Conclusions:
- Motor cortical projections play a significant role in regulating sensory information processing.
- Top-down control from motor areas can optimize sensory perception by altering cortical states.
- This provides a neural basis for how attention and motor preparation might influence sensory detection.