somatotopic organization

the topographic distribution of areas of the motor cortex relating to specific activities of skeletal muscles, as mapped by electrically stimulating a point in the cortex and observing associated movement of a skeletal muscle in the face, the trunk, or a limb. See also motor homunculus.

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Psychology term of the day

November 16th 2024

ascending tract

a bundle of nerve fibers that carries sensory inputs through the spinal cord toward the brain. Also called ascending pathway. Compare descending tract.