Somatosensory cortex

Somatosensory Cortex

The Somatosensory Cortex is a component of the cerebral cortex that plays a crucial role in processing somatosensory information. It comprises several areas, including the primary somatosensory cortex (also known as Brodmann area 3, 1, and 2) and the secondary somatosensory cortex.

Function

The somatosensory cortex is responsible for processing sensory information from the skin (such as touch, temperature, and pain), as well as proprioceptive information about the position of body parts. It is also involved in the perception of the size, shape, and texture of objects.

Structure

The somatosensory cortex is located in the parietal lobe, posterior to the central sulcus. It is divided into two main areas: the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2). Each of these areas has a distinct structure and function.

Primary Somatosensory Cortex

The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is the main receptive area for the sense of touch. It is organized as a homunculus, with different regions of the cortex corresponding to different parts of the body.

Secondary Somatosensory Cortex

The secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) is involved in the interpretation of the intensity and quality of sensory information. It also plays a role in the perception of the body's own movements.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the somatosensory cortex can result in a variety of sensory deficits, including loss of touch sensation, pain, and temperature sensation. It can also lead to phantom limb syndrome in individuals who have undergone limb amputation.

See Also

• Sensory Cortex
• Parietal Lobe
• Cerebral Cortex
• Phantom Limb

References

Somatosensory cortex Resources
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