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From what we know of tactile receptor density correlating with functional sensitivity and cortical representation in the Penfield homunculus, which of the following would we expect to have the greatest cortical magnification?

A. Fingertips
B. Palm
C. Knee
D. Forehead
E. Forearm

User Mirelon
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Final answer:

The fingertips would have the greatest cortical magnification due to the high density of tactile receptors like Meissner's corpuscles, as shown in the sensory homunculus.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which location on the body would we expect to have the greatest cortical magnification based on tactile receptor density and its representation in the sensory homunculus. The sensory homunculus is a visual representation of the body's sensory distribution on the cerebral cortex. According to the sensory homunculus, the areas with greater densities of tactile receptors, such as the fingertips, have larger cortical representation. Meissner's corpuscles, which are specialized for fine touch and detail discrimination, are plentiful in the fingertips, and thus the fingertips have a larger region of somatosensory cortex devoted to them than other body parts such as the palm, knee, forehead, or forearm.

User Callanbr
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