Primary somatosensory cortex

Primary Somatosensory Cortex

The Primary Somatosensory Cortex (also known as S1) is a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in processing somatosensory information. It is located in the postcentral gyrus, and forms a part of the parietal lobe of the cerebral cortex.

File:Gray726 primary somatosensory cortex.png

Primary Somatosensory Cortex

Structure

The Primary Somatosensory Cortex is divided into four distinct areas: Area 3a, Area 3b, Area 1, and Area 2. Each of these areas has a different function and corresponds to a different part of the body.

Area 3a

Area 3a is located at the most anterior part of the Primary Somatosensory Cortex. It receives input from the muscle spindles and joint receptors, and is involved in the perception of the body's position and movement.

Area 3b

Area 3b is located posterior to Area 3a. It receives input from the skin and is involved in the perception of touch.

Area 1

Area 1 is located posterior to Area 3b. It receives input from Area 3b and is involved in the perception of texture and shape.

Area 2

Area 2 is located posterior to Area 1. It receives input from all the other areas and is involved in the perception of size and shape.

Function

The Primary Somatosensory Cortex is responsible for processing somatosensory information from the body. This includes information about touch, temperature, pain, and the position and movement of the body. The information is then relayed to other areas of the brain for further processing.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Primary Somatosensory Cortex can result in a loss of somatosensory function, leading to conditions such as astereognosis (the inability to recognize objects by touch) and agnosia (the inability to interpret sensations).

See Also

• Sensory Cortex
• Postcentral Gyrus
• Parietal Lobe
• Cerebral Cortex

References

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