Motor Cortex: Features And Functions

Our brains allow us to plan, eat, run and even smile. With the complex but amazing functions of the motor cortex, we are able to perform numerous daily functions. The motor cortex helps us to control, perform, and plan different movements.

In addition to this,  it allows us to respond to stimuli, which is essential for our survival. It is important to note that this part of our brain does not work on its own. We are able to move because this area of ​​the brain has connections to other areas of the brain as well.

In this article, we discuss the location of the motor cortex, its structure and functions, and also the associated pathologies when the motor cortex is damaged or when it is not functioning as it should.

Motor cortex: what is it and where is it located?

The motor cortex is part of the cerebellum,  which in turn is part of the brain. Its main functions are to promote movement. It allows us to produce and execute voluntary movements. This area of ​​the brain is located in the frontal lobe, just in front of the Rolando fissure and somatosensory area.

This area comprises the area known as the Penfield homunculus. This area refers to the parts of the cortex where movement occurs.

Areas of the motor cortex

• Primary motor cortex:  This is the main area of ​​the motor cortex. It is responsible for creating the nerve impulses that are necessary to produce voluntary movements. In addition to this, it is responsible for sending orders to the voluntary muscles of the body. This is an area with a low stress threshold.

• Complementary motor area:  This area coordinates the position. It has to do with a series of movements of large muscle groups.
• Premotor cortex:  It is responsible for maintaining movements that come from past experiences. It simultaneously coordinates and directs sequences of motion and activity of the primary motor cortex. It is located in front of the primary cortex and Sylvia’s fissure. It has to do with the movements necessary for speaking.
• Brocan area: This area dominates the spoken language. It is located in the gyrus of the lower frontal lobe.
• Posterior parietal cortex: This area converts visual information into motor information.

Cortical pathology of the motor cortex

If this part of the brain is damaged, it can have serious consequences. The reason for this is that we need this motor cortex to be able to perform our daily functions.

Here are the possible consequences of damage to this part of the brain:

• Paralysis:  This consists of complete or partial loss of mobility of one or more parts of the body. When damage occurs in one half of the brain, it occurs on the opposite side. For example, damage to the motor cortex in the left half affects the right side.
• Apraxia: Here a person is unable to perform movements on request. This means that he understands the request made to him, and that he tends to execute it, but lacks control of his motor execution.

• Dysarthria:  This is a speech disorder in which a person has difficulty articulating sounds or words.
• Agraphy: This consists of an inability to express thoughts in written language.
• Brocan aphasia: In this case, the person suffers from a transformation of the expressed language. It is characterized by difficulty in articulating words, writing changes, and difficulty remembering words.

Further research

Researchers are trying to find answers that could help determine  how to repair motor cortex damage. This explains why the cortex is studied so much. For example, in February 2018, Lina Bunketorp and her colleagues published an article on the subject in the journal Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience .

In this article, they said they studied how important the motor cortex is to movement. In their studies, they demonstrated adaptive motor cortex plasticity by rebuilding grip in individuals suffering from tetraplegia.

These approaches help us better understand how the cerebral cortex responds to damage and its treatment. Scientists are trying to find definitive solutions to cortical damage.

Finally, the motor cortex is  the axis of motion. Without it, we would not be able to perform any movements.