University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
PSY 105 | Sports Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

416

Pages:

2
Author:

Jithin J. I.

NEOCORTEX AND SENSORY-MOTOR INTEGRATION I. Introduction  The neocortex plays a vital role in the cerebral cortex, making up around 90% of this brain region.  This lecture focuses on the organization of the neocortex, sensory information processing, and sensory-motor integration. II. Neocortex Organization A. Horizontal Division  The neocortex is divided both vertically into six neuron layers and horizontally into cortex regions.  Korbinian Brodmann initially classified the cerebral cortex into 52 regions.  Naming conventions like BA (Brodmann areas) are used, e.g., primary motor cortex (M1) is BA 4, and primary visual cortex (V1) is BA 17.  Additional or modified divisions are made based on new anatomical or functional findings. B. Development and Features  The neocortex is highly developed in humans, with pronounced gyri (convolutions) and sulci (furrows).  It participates in higher-order brain functions.  Sensory information reaches the corresponding sensory fields directly.  Associative fields link information between sensory and motor fields. III. Sensory-Motor Integration A. Motor Fields  Motor areas include the primary motor cortex (M1), premotor area (PMA), and supplementary motor area (SMA).  These areas have a somatotopic structure, mapping the body's parts, forming the descending tract (approx. 40% PMA/SMA, 30% M1, 30% S1).  Techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) help assign properties to cortex areas. B. Neural Movements Planning  PMA encodes target location and hand execution simultaneously during pointing movements.  Special neurons encode target location and the movement itself.  SMA is vital for imagination of movements and bimanual coordination.  SMA enables the ability to abort planned movements due to external signals.  Senso-motoric circuits often handle action planning and execution, not just the prefrontal cortex. In conclusion, the neocortex, with its highly organized structure and sensory-motor integration, is essential for various higher-order brain functions and motor control. Understanding its role enhances our comprehension of brain functionality.