Question

Identify and describe the primary functional cortical areas of the cerebrum (e.g., primary motor cortex, primary somatosensory cortex, primary auditory cortex, primary visual cortex, primary olfactory cortex, primary gustatory cortex).

Answer 1

The primary functional cortical areas of the cerebrum are divided into: Sensory, Motor and Associative areas.

Sensory cortex area:

• It includes a portion of cerebral cortex which includes the outer layer of brain which processes and makes sense for the information gathered by five senses like vision, sound, olfaction, gestation and somatosensation.
• The main areas of sensory cortex of brain are:

--> Primary auditory cortex: It lies in the superior temporal gyrus of temporal lobe and extends into the lateral sulcus and transverse temporal gyri known as 'Heschl's gyri'. It's function is to process auditory information, by performing basic and higher functions in hearing.

--> Primary somatosensory cortex: It is located in the post central gyrus and is also a part of somatosensory system, playing a role in processing afferent somatosensory input.

--> Primary visual cortex: It is located in the posterior pole of the occipital lobe, which is highly specialized for processing the information about the moving objects and is also helpful in pattern recognition.

--> Primary olfactory cortex: It is a region of cortical brain which receives mitral and tufted cell axon projections. It's function is to process the basic olfactory information and is also involved in learning and memory.

--> Primary gustatory cortex: It is a region of cerebral cortex which is responsible for the perception of taste and flavour.

Motor cortex area:

• The areas of the motor cortex are arranged like a pair of headphones and are involved in the control of voluntary movements.
• The main areas of motor cortex are:

--> Primary motor cortex: It is located in the posterior portion of the frontal lobe and it's function is to execute movements in association with other motor areas. It mainly contributes to the generation of neural impulses, which controls the execution of movement.

Thank you!