motor cortex

the region of the frontal lobe of the brain responsible for the control of voluntary movement. It is divided into two parts. The primary motor cortex, or motor area, is the main source of neurons in the corticospinal tract. The secondary (or nonprimary) motor cortex, made up of the premotor area and the supplementary motor area, is specialized for planning upcoming movements and learning new movements. Lesions in the primary motor cortex due to stroke or traumatic injury usually cause initial paralysis that may improve to a condition involving weakness and poor muscle tone. Lesions in the secondary motor cortex usually cause disruptions in motor planning for complex movements (see apraxia). Also called motor strip.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

generalized seizure

a seizure in which abnormal electrical activity involves the entire brain rather than a specific focal area. The two most common forms are absence seizures and some tonic–clonic seizures.