Question

Identify the location and functions of the primary motor cortex, primary sensory cortices, and their association areas. Explain how each area contributes to an individual’s conscious processing of sensory information or conscious generaration of motor signals.

Answer 1

The primary motor cortex (area 4) initiates movement, while primary sensory cortices, such as the primary visual (area 17) and auditory (area 22) cortices, process basic sensory information. Association areas adjacent to these primary areas process more complex aspects of sensory information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary motor cortex, located in the precentral gyrus (area 4), generates neural impulses that control the execution of movement. Adjacent to it is the premotor cortex (area 6), which is involved in the planning of movements. The primary sensory cortices include areas like the primary visual cortex (area 17) in the occipital lobe, which is responsible for basic visual processing, and the primary auditory cortex (area 22) in the temporal lobe, where auditory processing begins.

The association areas, located next to their respective primary areas, elaborate on the basic processing done by the primary cortices. For example, areas 18 and 19 are involved in further visual processing beyond basic shape and edge detection, such as recognition of complex objects and scenes. Similarly, area 23 further processes auditory information.