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Related Concept Videos

Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex01:23

Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

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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...
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Sensory Perception: Organization of the Somatosensory System01:11

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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:
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Microtubule function and architecture are regulated by an array of specialized proteins called microtubule-associated proteins or MAPs. These proteins are widespread across different organisms and have conserved protein motifs, like the multi-TOG domain for tubulin binding found in the CLASP family of MAPs. Some MAPs are lineage-specific based on their conserved domains. Their functions depend upon the cytoskeletal architecture and cell type they are located within. In-plant cells, a specific...
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Plotting of Topographic Maps01:29

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Topographic maps represent the Earth's surface features using contour lines, which connect points of equal elevation to create a two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional terrain. Creating a topographic map requires a systematic approach.Begin by plotting a scaled grid and marking intersections corresponding to the survey's elevation data points. Assign elevation values at these intersections to build the base map. Next, determine contour levels using a consistent contour interval,...
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Coordinates and Map Projections01:29

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Coordinates and map projections are essential tools in accurately representing the Earth's surface for various applications, ranging from navigation to spatial analysis. The latitude and longitude coordinate system is a universally recognized framework for defining locations. Latitude specifies the distance of a point north or south of the equator, measured in degrees from 0° at the equator to 90° at the poles. Longitude indicates a location's position east or west of the prime meridian,...
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What is a Sensory System?01:31

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Sensory systems detect stimuli—such as light and sound waves—and transduce them into neural signals that can be interpreted by the nervous system. In addition to external stimuli detected by the senses, some sensory systems detect internal stimuli—such as the proprioceptors in muscles and tendons that send feedback about limb position.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 13, 2026

Somatosensory Event-related Potentials from Orofacial Skin Stretch Stimulation
06:56

Somatosensory Event-related Potentials from Orofacial Skin Stretch Stimulation

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Somatosensory maps.

Samuel Harding-Forrester1, Daniel E Feldman1

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.

Handbook of Clinical Neurology
|March 10, 2018
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Somatosensory maps in the parietal cortex represent the body surface, with rodent whisker maps serving as a key model. These maps are adaptable, changing with experience or injury throughout life.

Keywords:
barrel cortexcortical columnsmap plasticitysomatosensory cortexsomatosensory mapswhisker

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Somatosensory Cortex Research
  • Cortical Plasticity

Background:

  • Parietal cortex features somatosensory areas with topographic body maps.
  • Primates have four areas (3b primary cutaneous), rodents at least three.
  • Maps prioritize behaviorally relevant regions like hands, face, or whiskers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review principles and findings on somatosensory maps.
  • To highlight the role of maps in tactile processing and sensation.
  • To discuss map plasticity and its implications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on somatosensory maps.
  • Analysis of functional representations and intracortical circuits.
  • Comparative study across primates, humans, and rodents.

Main Results:

  • Somatosensory maps are not isomorphic but magnify important body regions.
  • Intracortical circuits process tactile information, spatial integration, and active sensation.
  • Functional representations show more overlap than previously depicted.
  • Rodent whisker maps are crucial for studying cortical microcircuits and plasticity.

Conclusions:

  • Somatosensory maps are dynamic and plastic throughout life.
  • Understanding these maps is vital for neuroscience, sensory coding, and plasticity research.
  • The rodent whisker system offers a model for investigating neural processing.