The supplementary motor area is a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in the control of voluntary movement and action planning. It is located in the cerebral cortex and extends throughout both cerebral hemispheres. This supplementary motor area works closely with other brain regions to coordinate and execute complex movements, thus contributing to the motor skill of humans.
Parts of the Supplementary Motor Area
The supplementary motor area is made up of several specific regions that perform distinct but interconnected functions. Among the main parts of the supplementary motor area are:
Anterior supplementary motor area
This region is located in the front part of the supplementary motor area and plays a fundamental role in planning and coordination of complex movements. It is involved in the sequencing of movements and in the anticipation of future motor actions.
Posterior supplementary motor area
Located in the posterior part of the supplementary motor area, this region is associated with the execution of sequential movements and the integration of sensory and motor information. It plays a crucial role in the coordination of fine and precise movements.
Pre-supplementary area
This region is located just in front of the anterior supplementary motor area and is involved in movement planning complex that require coordination and precision. It works in conjunction with other parts of the supplementary motor area to ensure efficient execution of movements.
Functions of the Supplementary Motor Area
The supplementary motor area performs various functions related to motor control and the execution of voluntary movements. Some of the key functions include:
Movement Planning
One of the main functions of the supplementary motor area is the planning of complex movements. This region of the brain helps coordinate different motor actions to achieve a specific goal, such as playing a musical instrument or performing a dance sequence.
Motor Coordination
The supplementary motor area is also involved in the coordination of fine and precise movements. It works in conjunction with other areas of the brain, such as the primary motor cortex, to ensure that muscles contract in a synchronous manner and produce fluid, coordinated movements.
Control of Sequential Movements
This brain region is crucial for executing sequential movements, such as playing a musical instrument or performing a series of steps in choreography. The supplementary motor area helps organize and coordinate these movements efficiently.
Integration of Sensory and Motor Information
The supplementary motor area also plays a role in the integration of sensory and motor information. motorboat. It receives signals from other areas of the brain that process sensory information and uses it to adjust and modulate the execution of movements, thus contributing to the precision and coordination of motor action.
Connections of the Supplementary Motor Area
The supplementary motor area is interconnected with other brain regions that play complementary roles in motor control and movement execution. Some of the most important connections include:
Primary Motor Cortex
The supplementary motor area is closely connected to the primary motor cortex, which is responsible for muscle activation and generation. of movements. These two regions work together to plan, execute, and control the body's voluntary movements.
Corporus Striatum
The supplementary motor area also connects to the striatum, a subcortical structure involved in the regulation of movement and the formation of motor patterns. This connection contributes to the coordination and execution of complex and sequential movements.
Parietal Cortex
The connection between the supplementary motor area and the parietal cortex facilitates the integration of sensory and motor information during the planning and execution of movements. This connection is essential for the precision and coordination of motor action.
Corpus Callosum
The corpus callosum, a structure that connects the cerebral hemispheres, also plays a role in communication between the supplementary motor area on both sides of the brain. This connection allows bilateral coordination of movements and efficient integration of information between the cerebral hemispheres.
Importance of the Supplementary Motor Area
The supplementary motor area plays a crucial role in the motor control and the execution of voluntary movements. Their ability to plan, coordinate and execute complex movements contributes significantly to the motor skills of humans. The integration of sensory and motor information, as well as coordination with other brain regions, make the supplementary motor area essential for the performance of sophisticated and precise motor tasks.
In summary, the supplementary motor area is a key region of the brain that plays essential roles in motor control and action planning. Its interconnection with other brain areas and its ability to coordinate complex movements make it a fundamental component of the human motor system.