Sensory cortex

/sˈɛnsəɹˌi kˈɔːtɛks/

/sˈɛnsɚɹi kˈɔːɹɾɛks/

[noun]

Sensory cortex

[NOUN]

the part of the brain that processes and interprets sensory information from the body

What is "sensory cortex"?

The sensory cortex, also known as the somatosensory cortex, is a region of the brain that is responsible for processing and interpreting sensory information from various parts of the body. It receives signals from sensory receptors and plays a key role in the perception of touch, temperature, pain, and body awareness. The sensory cortex is located in the parietal lobe of the brain and is organized in a way that different regions correspond to specific body areas, allowing for precise sensory perception and discrimination.

Examples

1. But this is the sensory cortex.

2. So the sensory cortex is always engaged, even in unconscious behaviors.

3. The sensory cortex at the back of the brain processes sensation: vision coming back from the eyes, touch coming from the tips of the fingers up the spinal chord, and sound coming in from the ears.

4. If a pianist hears a piece of music, the auditory area of the sensory cortex is activated, which you'd expect.