Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
06:56
Somatosensory Event-related Potentials from Orofacial Skin Stretch Stimulation
Published on: December 18, 2015
13.8K
Multiple time courses of somatosensory responses in human cortex
P Avanzini1, V Pelliccia2, G Lo Russo3
1Istituto di Neuroscienze, Consiglio nazionale delle Ricerche - CNR, Parma, Italy; Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, University of Parma, Italy.
Neuroimage
|December 18, 2017
Summary
This study reveals a three-stage cortical processing of nerve stimulation (tibial, median, trigeminal). Distinct temporal and spatial patterns suggest phasic, delayed, and tonic responses serve different functions in sensory perception and awareness.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Somatosensory System
- Cortical Processing
Background:
- Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of cortical processing after peripheral nerve stimulation is crucial.
- Stereoencephalography (stereo-EEG) offers high-resolution insights into brain activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To decompose the cortical processing following tibial, median, and trigeminal nerve stimulation into distinct stages.
- To characterize the topography and time course of these processing stages.
- To explore the functional implications of different response patterns.
Main Methods:
- Utilized anatomical and functional data from 96 patients undergoing stereo-EEG.
- Stimulated tibial, median, and trigeminal nerves.
- Analyzed gamma power changes across 11,878 cortical sites.
Main Results:
- Identified three common time course clusters: phasic, delayed/prolonged, and tonic.
- Phasic responses showed somatotopic organization in SI without overlap.
- Delayed responses overlapped in time and space in dorsal motor cortices.
- Tonic responses occurred in the perisylvian region, lacking specificity.
Conclusions:
- Somatosensory processing is a multi-stage, hierarchical process common across different nerves.
- Phasic responses may underpin tactile perception.
- Tonic responses might reflect neural signatures of tactile awareness.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Somatosensation
43.7K
The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.
43.7K
01:23Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
2.8K
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...
2.8K
01:29Overview of Somatic Sensory Pathways
8.8K
Somatic sensory or somatosensory pathways refer to the neural pathways that carry information related to touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and proprioception from the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints to the brain. These pathways involve several stages of processing and integration of sensory information.
The somatosensory system is divided into three main pathways: the dorsal (or posterior) column-medial lemniscus, spinothalamic (or anterolateral), and spinocerebellar pathways.
The dorsal...
The somatosensory system is divided into three main pathways: the dorsal (or posterior) column-medial lemniscus, spinothalamic (or anterolateral), and spinocerebellar pathways.
The dorsal...
8.8K
01:11Sensory Perception: Organization of the Somatosensory System
11.4K
The somatosensory system is the central and peripheral nervous system component that senses and processes touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and body position or proprioception. The process of sensation takes place at three levels:
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the...
The receptor level:
The receptor level is the first stage of sensation. It involves the detection of a stimulus by specialized sensory receptors. The stimulus must arrive within the receptor's receptive field. Next, the receptor converts the energy of the...
11.4K
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
7.8K
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....
7.8K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
9.6K
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,...
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,...
9.6K