The somatosensory cortex is a region of the brain that plays a fundamental role in sensory perception and the integration of information from our environment. It is responsible for processing and giving meaning to tactile, thermal, pressure and pain sensations, allowing us to interact effectively with the world around us.
Parts of the somatosensory cortex
Primary somatosensory cortex
The primary somatosensory cortex, also known as area 3,1,2 or simply S1, is the cortical region responsible for receiving and interpreting information. sensory information coming from the whole body. It is located in the parietal region of the brain and is characterized by the presence of a topographic representation of the body, known as a sensory homunculus. In this representation, the different parts of the body are arranged in an orderly manner, according to the amount of sensory information they generate and the precision of perception in those areas.
Secondary somatosensory cortex
The secondary somatosensory cortex, also called somatosensory association area or S2, is located just behind the primary cortex and is responsible for processing more complex sensory information and integrating it with other types of cortical information. This corticolimbic region contributes to giving emotional meaning to bodily sensations, allowing for a more complete and rich sensory experience.
Functions of the somatosensory cortex
Tactile perception
One of the main functions of the somatosensory cortex is tactile perception, that is, the ability to detect and discriminate different tactile stimuli on the skin. This includes sensations such as pressure, vibration, texture and shape, allowing us to identify objects, manipulate them skillfully and feel contact with our environment.
Temperature perception
Another important function of the Somatosensory cortex is the perception of temperature. This brain region allows us to detect and discriminate temperature changes in our skin, helping us regulate our body temperature and respond appropriately to hot or cold environmental stimuli.
Pain perception
The somatosensory cortex also plays a crucial role in pain perception. This region allows us to recognize and process painful sensations, differentiating between different types of pain (acute, chronic, somatic, visceral, etc.) and facilitating the adaptive response to protect the body from possible damage.
Integration of sensory information
In addition to basic sensory functions, the somatosensory cortex is responsible for integrating sensory information with other brain areas, such as the motor cortex, visual cortex, and association cortex, to generate coordinated motor responses and complex adaptive behaviors. This sensorimotor integration is essential to perform precise and coordinated movements, as well as to adequately interpret bodily sensations in the context of our actions.
Pathologies associated with the somatosensory cortex
Syndrome Unilateral inattention syndrome
Unilateral inattention syndrome, also known as hemineglect, is a pathology that affects the perception of space and sensations on the side opposite to brain damage, generally in the right hemisphere. Patients with this syndrome often ignore or are unaware of sensory stimuli on the affected side, which can hinder their ability to interact with the environment appropriately and safely.
Tactile agnosia
Tactile agnosia is a disorder in the processing of tactile information, characterized by the inability to recognize objects through the sense of touch, despite having intact tactile sensitivity. This disorder may be due to lesions in the somatosensory cortex and affect individuals' ability to identify objects, manipulate tools, and perform everyday tasks that require accurate tactile recognition.
Asomatognosia
The asomatognosia is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a lack of recognition or awareness of part of one's own body. This can manifest as denial of the existence of a limb or loss of a sense of belonging to a body part. Asomatognosia may be associated with lesions in the somatosensory cortex and may hinder social interaction, mobility and autonomy of affected individuals.
Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain is a type chronic pain caused by injuries or dysfunctions of the central or peripheral nervous system. In this type of pain, the somatosensory cortex may be overactive or dysregulated, leading to abnormal perception of painful stimuli, such as spontaneous pain, allodynia (pain caused by stimuli that are not normally painful), and hyperalgesia (increased pain sensitivity). The treatment of neuropathic pain is often complex and involves multidisciplinary strategies that address both the sensory and emotional aspects of pain.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the somatosensory cortex is a key brain region in sensory perception and the integration of somatosensory information with other brain areas. Its role in tactile perception, temperature regulation, pain perception and sensorimotor integration make it a fundamental structure for our interaction with the environment and for our adaptive response capacity. The pathologies associated with the somatosensory cortex highlight the importance of this region in the cognitive and emotional functioning, as well as in the consciousness and body experience of affected individuals.
In summary, the somatosensory cortex is a region fascinating and complex brain that continues to be the subject of study and research in the field of neuroscience. Its understanding allows us not only to delve deeper into the functioning of the human brain, but also into the neurological bases of sensory perception and the alterations that can arise when these bases are compromised by neurological injuries or disorders.