Name: brain cortex areas for sensation and movement
Uploaded: 2026-03-20T13:23:54.000Z
Duration: 1 min 23 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Florida Department of Education

High School

Life Science

SC.912.L.14

SC.912.L.14.27

somatosensory-motor-and-association-cortex

Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

The somatosensory cortex, located in the parietal lobe, plays a crucial role in interpreting sensory information, such as touch, temperature, and body position.
In the somatosensory cortex, neurons are specifically organized: those at the top process sensations from the lower body, while those at the bottom handle sensations from the upper body.
For instance, touching the foot activates neurons at the top of the somatosensory cortex, whereas touching the face activates neurons in the lower part.
Adjacent to the somatosensory cortex, within the frontal lobes, lies the motor cortex. This area controls movement by sending signals to voluntary muscles through the peripheral nervous system, facilitating coordinated actions.
The association cortex is spread across the cerebral cortex, including neurons not involved in sensory or motor function. Instead, these neurons are responsible for higher intellectual functions such as analysis, planning, and decision-making.
For example, Broca's area and Wernicke's area, highlight the complexity and specialization of the association cortex in supporting high-level cognitive functions such as language.

somatosensory, motor, and association cortex

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&#8212;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 the bottom handle inputs from the upper body. This organization facilitates the precise localization of sensory stimuli, ensuring accurate physical responses to environmental interactions. For instance, when one touches one's foot, it triggers activation in the neurons located at the upper segment of the somatosensory cortex. Conversely, stimulation of the face activates neurons situated lower in this cortex, illustrating the brain's systematic mapping of sensory inputs.
Adjacent to the somatosensory cortex within the frontal lobes lies the motor cortex, another crucial component of the nervous system. The motor cortex is responsible for controlling movement by dispatching signals to voluntary muscles across the body. These signals, transmitted via the peripheral nervous system, enable coordinated physical actions. For example, the simple act of waving a hand involves the motor cortex sending precise instructions to activate the necessary arm muscles, allowing for the intended motion.
Beyond these sensory and motor functions, the cerebral cortex houses the association cortex, a region that integrates sensory and motor information with memories and existing knowledge. This integration is vital for executing higher intellectual functions such as analysis, planning, and decision-making. The association cortex enables complex cognitive processes by connecting sensory experiences with relevant memory data. An everyday demonstration of this capability is the recognition of a familiar face and the subsequent recall of the person's name, linking visual sensory data with stored memories to retrieve the appropriate information. This intricate interplay among different cortical areas underlines the brain's sophisticated architecture and its capability to perform complex tasks, from basic sensory processing to advanced cognitive functions.

The somatosensory cortex, located in the parietal lobe, plays a crucial role in interpreting sensory information, such as touch, temperature, and body ...

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Education

JoVE Core

Introduction to Psychology

Unit 1

Biopsychology

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

brain cortex areas for sensation and movement

The brain cortex uses separate areas for sensation, movement, and higher thinking. The somatosensory cortex is in the parietal lobes. It helps the brain interpret touch, temperature, and proprioception, which is awareness of body position.

The somatosensory cortex has an organized map of the body. Neurons at the top of this region mainly process signals from the lower body. Neurons at the bottom handle input from the upper body. This layout helps the brain locate sensory input with precision. For example, touching a foot activates neurons in the upper part of the somatosensory cortex. Touching the face activates neurons lower in this cortex.

Next to the somatosensory area is the motor cortex in the frontal lobes. The motor cortex controls movement by sending signals to voluntary muscles through the peripheral nervous system. These signals support coordinated actions. A simple wave of the hand is one example of the motor cortex directing the arm muscles needed for the movement.

The cerebral cortex also contains the association cortex. This region links sensory and motor information with memories and existing knowledge. It supports higher mental tasks such as analysis, planning, and decision-making. Recognizing a familiar face and then remembering the person’s name is one everyday example of this system at work.

Brain Cortex Areas for Sensation and Movement

brain-cortex-areas-for-sensation-and-movement

introduction to biological bases of psychology

introduction-to-biological-bases-of-psychology

Biological Factors Shaping Behavior and Mind

Biopsychology connects biology and psychology by showing how the body influences behavior and mental processes. It focuses on the nervous system, neurotransmitters, hormones, genetics, and evolutionary ideas. Together, these areas help explain why people think, feel, and act the way they do. The nervous system is the main foundation of biopsychology. It has two parts: the central nervous system, or CNS, and the peripheral nervous system, or PNS. The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord and...

nervous system

Nervous System: CNS, PNS, and Reflexes

The nervous system helps the body sense, move, and respond. It works through a network of nerve cells that carry signals around the body. This system has two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system, or CNS, includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain acts as the body’s control center. It processes sensory information and helps coordinate responses. The spinal cord serves as a major pathway for signals between the brain and the rest...

neurons as communicators of the brain

Neuron Parts and Signal Transmission

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neuronal communication

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neurotransmitters

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cerebral hemispheres

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lobes of the cerebrum

How Brain Lobes Shape Perception

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spinal cord

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lateralization

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human genetics

Genes, Behavior, and Mental Health

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behavioral genetics and its designs

How Behavior Genetics Studies Inheritance

Behavior genetics studies how inherited genes influence human behavior. It looks at how genes passed from parents to offspring help shape behavioral traits and tendencies. The field also examines how inherited factors and environmental influences work together. Researchers use family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies to separate genetic and environmental effects. Family studies track traits within biological families to find possible genetic patterns. They have helped identify...

evolutionary psychology

Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

Evolutionary psychology explains human behavior and mental processes through natural selection. It uses Darwin’s idea that traits can spread when they help survival and reproduction. In this view, some common behaviors may be adaptations that were useful to our ancestors. One clear example is fear of snakes. This fear is nearly universal, which suggests that early humans who avoided snakes were more likely to survive deadly encounters. Over many generations, that caution could be passed on and...

organization of the brain

Brain Regions and Their Key Functions

The brain is the main control center of the nervous system. It processes sensory input, makes decisions, and directs body actions. Its structure is divided into the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, and each part supports important functions. The hindbrain sits at the base of the brain. It helps regulate automatic life processes. The medulla oblongata controls involuntary functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure. Nearby, the pons acts as a bridge between brain regions,...

neuroplasticity

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Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to learning, experience, or injury. It allows neural circuits to reorganize over time. This flexibility supports lifelong development and adaptation. One part of this change begins when dendrites and axons grow. Dendrites receive signals, and axons send them. As they grow, the brain’s circuitry becomes more complex and can support more connections. Next, synaptogenesis occurs. Synaptogenesis is the...

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The brain cortex uses separate areas for sensation, movement, and higher thinking. The somatosensory cortex is in the parietal lobes. It helps the brain interpret touch, temperature, and proprioception, which is awareness of body position. The somatosensory cortex has an organized map of the body. Neurons at the top of this region mainly process signals from the lower body. Neurons at the bottom handle input from the upper body. This layout helps the brain locate sensory input with precision.

the endocrine system

Endocrine Glands and Hormone Signals

The endocrine system is a network of glands that send hormone signals through the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that help control many body functions. They enter the bloodstream and travel to cells with the right receptors, or target sites, so the signal can be received. Because of this, hormone effects are widespread, unlike the more localized effects of neurotransmitters. This signaling helps the body keep a stable internal environment, called homeostasis. Several major glands...

major hormones and their functions

Hormone Imbalances and Their Effects

Hormones are chemical messengers made by endocrine glands. They help control body functions and keep internal conditions stable. When hormone levels shift too far up or down, normal body processes can be disrupted. Several major hormones have clear roles in the body. Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It supports social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Low oxytocin can affect social interaction and stress response, and it may contribute to depression.

inheritance

Genes, Traits, and Mendel's Rules

Genes, traits, and Mendel's rules explain how characteristics pass from parents to offspring. Gregor Mendel's pea plant experiments changed how scientists understand heredity. His work showed that traits are controlled by discrete units inside organisms called genes. Genes usually come in pairs. One gene is inherited from each parent, and together they make a person's genotype. Genotype is the genetic blueprint for potential traits. Examples include blood type, eye color, and inherited...

gene-environment interactions

How Environment Shapes Gene Expression

Environmental factors can change how genes are expressed. Gene expression is a dynamic process, and traits can differ even in people with the same DNA. Radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress all help shape the final outcome. The reaction range helps explain this process. It means genes set a possible range for a trait, while the environment helps decide where a person falls within that range. For example, genetics may allow a height range from 5'5" to 6'1", but nutrition,...

heritability

Heritability and the Environment

Heritability describes how genetic differences contribute to trait variation in a population. It is a statistical measure, so it shows how much of the spread in a trait can be linked to genes across a group. It does not tell you how “genetic” a trait is in an individual person. Heritability is usually expressed as a percentage. That percentage can change depending on which population is studied and what environmental conditions are present. This means heritability is context-dependent, not...

natural selection and adaptation

Adaptation in Changing Environments

Natural selection explains how organisms become better suited to their environments over time. It favors individuals with traits that improve survival and reproduction. Adaptation is the result. It includes genetic changes that help an organism function in specific conditions, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes. Adaptation is not only physical. Psychological adaptation also helps organisms, especially humans, succeed in their surroundings. These responses come from both...

natural selection and mating preferences

How Selection Shapes Mate Choice

Natural selection and mating preferences work together to shape how organisms survive and reproduce. Natural selection favors traits that help an organism fit its environment. Mating preferences are part of sexual selection, which influences who mates with whom and how genes are passed on. Evolutionary psychologists argue that these preferences are tied to instincts that support reproduction. For females, conception, pregnancy, and nursing create a strong need to choose mates who can offer...

criticisms of the evolutionary perspective

criticisms-of-the-evolutionary-perspective

Social Learning vs. Evolutionary Psychology

Social learning theory and evolutionary psychology offer two different ways to explain sexual behavior. A study in which strangers gave students compliments and then asked for casual sex showed a clear gender gap. None of the women said yes, while 70% of the men agreed. Evolutionary psychology explains this result by arguing that natural selection may have shaped women to be more selective about sexual partners. From this view, selectivity can help improve survival and reproductive success. It...

key terms and concepts

Learn how the somatosensory cortex, motor cortex, and association cortex work together to process touch, control movement, and support thinking.

Brain Cortex Areas for Sensation and Movement | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Introduction to Psychology offers an engaging learning experience on the fundamental principles of psychology through concise video lessons. Students will explore important topics such as cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and neural mechanisms, establishing a strong foundation in the study of the mind and human behavior. This series provides an accessible and captivating approach to grasp the essential concepts of the discipline.

introduction to psychology

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Brain Cortex Areas for Sensation and Movement

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