Motor cortex
Motor Cortex
The Motor Cortex is a part of the cerebral cortex involved in the planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements.
Pronunciation
Motor Cortex: /ˈmoʊtər ˈkɔːrteks/
Etymology
The term "Motor Cortex" is derived from the Latin words "motor" meaning "mover" and "cortex" meaning "bark or shell".
Function
The primary function of the motor cortex is to generate neural impulses that control the execution of movement. It is divided into three parts: the primary motor cortex, the premotor cortex, and the supplementary motor area.
- The primary motor cortex is the main contributor to generating neural impulses, and it passes information to the spinal cord to bring about movement.
- The premotor cortex is responsible for some aspects of motor control, possibly including the preparation for movement, the sensory guidance of movement, the spatial guidance of reaching, or the direct control of some movements with an emphasis on the control of proximal and trunk muscles of the body.
- The supplementary motor area (SMA) is involved in the planning of complex movements and in coordinating two-handed movements.
Location
The motor cortex is located in the frontal lobe of the brain, just anterior to the central sulcus, and it extends down into the longitudinal fissure.
Related Terms
- Neuron: A neuron is a nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system. Neurons are similar to other cells in the human body in a number of ways, but there is one key difference between neurons and other cells. Neurons are specialized to transmit information throughout the body.
- Cerebrum: The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain. It is divided into two hemispheres, or halves, called the cerebral hemispheres. Areas within the cerebrum control muscle functions and also control speech, thought, emotions, reading, writing, and learning.
- Frontal lobe: The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that controls important cognitive skills in humans, such as emotional expression, problem solving, memory, language, judgment, and sexual behavior. It is, in essence, the “control panel” of our personality and our ability to communicate.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Motor cortex
- Wikipedia's article - Motor cortex
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