primary sensory area

any area within the neocortex of the brain that acts to receive sensory input—for most senses, from the thalamus. The primary sensory area for hearing is in the temporal lobe, for vision in the occipital lobe (see striate cortex), and for touch and taste in the parietal lobe (see primary somatosensory area; taste cortex). See also secondary sensory area.

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Psychology term of the day

February 16th 2025

reasonable accommodations

adjustments made within an employment or educational setting that allow an individual with a physical, cognitive, or psychiatric disability to perform essential functions. These adjustments might include installing ramps in an office cafeteria for wheelchair accessibility, altering the format of a test for a person with learning disabilities, or providing a sign language interpreter for a person with hearing loss. Provisions for reasonable accommodations must be made by employers and educators according to the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act and the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. See undue hardship.