Final answer:
Martha's posterior parietal cortex becomes active as she looks at pictures of her daughter playing soccer, suggesting that she is recalling associated movements. This region assists with sensory processing and movement coordination, supporting memory recollection tied to physical experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
When looking at pictures of her daughter playing soccer, Martha's posterior parietal cortex is active, indicating that Martha has memory of the motions that went along with the photographs. The posterior parietal cortex is involved in the processing of sensory information and the integration of sensory input with motor commands, crucial for the coordination of movements. When Martha views photos of soccer, this area helps her brain understand and remember the spatial dynamics and physical actions associated with past experiences.
Consider this scenario as a representation to illustrate the brain's functioning: For a daily activity such as kicking a soccer ball, motor areas like the primary motor cortex play a critical role. The primary motor cortex has a topographical map of the body and is responsible for voluntary motor movements. Additionally, integrating areas of the brain work alongside visual sensory areas and the motor areas responsible for coordinating the eyes and limbs.
For memory and motion-related tasks, other brain regions like the medial temporal lobe and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex may also be active. These areas assist in the encoding, retention, and retrieval of semantic and perceptual information, contributing to our ability to recall and mentally reenact past experiences like those seen in photographs.