SOMATOSENSORY CORTEX Meaning and
Definition
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The somatosensory cortex is a region of the brain that is responsible for processing sensory information related to the body's sensations, including touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception. It is located in the parietal lobe, specifically in the postcentral gyrus, which is situated in the front part of the parietal lobe, directly behind the central sulcus.
The somatosensory cortex receives information from receptors located throughout the body, such as the skin, muscles, joints, and internal organs. These receptors transduce physical stimuli into electrical signals that are then relayed to the somatosensory cortex via a series of neural pathways.
Once the sensory information arrives in the somatosensory cortex, it is processed in a topographical manner, meaning that different areas on the cortex are responsible for different body regions. This organization is commonly referred to as the "homunculus," where body parts with higher sensitivity, such as the lips and fingers, are associated with larger cortical representations.
Furthermore, the somatosensory cortex plays a crucial role in the integration of sensory information and the generation of appropriate motor responses. It has extensive connections with other regions of the brain, allowing for the complex perception and interpretation of touch, temperature, and pain, as well as the coordination of motor actions in response to these sensations. In essence, the somatosensory cortex is the brain's main processing center for somatic sensory stimuli, enabling us to explore and interact with our environment through our sense of touch.
Common Misspellings for SOMATOSENSORY CORTEX
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Etymology of SOMATOSENSORY CORTEX
The word "somatosensory" is derived from Greek roots. The prefix "soma" means "body", while the prefix "sensory" relates to the senses or sensations. The word "cortex" originates from Latin and refers to the outer layer of an organ, in this case, the brain. Therefore, the term "somatosensory cortex" refers to the region of the cerebral cortex that is responsible for processing sensory information from the body.
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