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The Role of Primary Motor Cortex: More Than Movement Execution
Sagarika Bhattacharjee1, Rajan Kashyap2, Turki Abualait3
1Department of Psychology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Journal of Motor Behavior
|March 21, 2020
Summary
The primary motor cortex (M1) is crucial for movement execution. Recent research using noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) suggests M1 also significantly contributes to higher cognitive functions beyond motor control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- The primary motor cortex (M1) is traditionally recognized for its role in motor execution.
- Advances in noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques are revealing additional functions of M1 in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize human studies investigating the broader roles of M1.
- To propose that M1 plays a key role in higher cognitive processes, extending beyond motor control.
- To highlight the under-explored functions of M1 in motor cognition.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of human studies utilizing noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS).
- Analysis of research on M1 connectivity with other cortical regions.
- Examination of studies demonstrating M1 involvement in cognitive tasks.
Main Results:
- NIBS studies provide evidence for M1's involvement in cognitive functions.
- M1 exhibits significant connectivity with various cortical areas.
- M1 plays a role in attention, motor learning, consolidation, inhibition, somatomotor responses, and movement imagery.
Conclusions:
- M1's function extends beyond motor execution to encompass higher cognitive processes.
- The role of M1 in motor cognition is more extensive than previously understood.
- Further research is needed to fully explore M1's contributions to cognition.
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