Purchase Solution

Cerebral Cortex & Evolution of the Motor Cortex

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

What regions in the cerebral cortex are known to be involved in movement? How do these areas contribute to the production of motor behavior?

Located at approximately mid-brain and at the very back of the temporal lobe is the motor cortex, which is the area of the cerebral cortex that controls voluntary movements (Dubuc, 2008). Within the motor cortex are two sections that work together and separately to create fluid and complete movements. These sections consist of the primary motor cortex (area 4) and the supplementary motor area (SMA or area 6) (Dubuc, 2008). The primary motor cortex of the brain contributes to voluntary movement through generating signals to the opposite side of the body, letting the muscles know that it is time to move (Brain Connection, 2009). Since this action is simple, this area of the brain is considered a part of lower evolution, in that it evolved early in the species. The supplementary motor area is an area that is more involved in understanding spatial awareness, learned movements, and calculating strength and force to move an object. Since these actions are more complicated than simply moving a part of the body, this section of the brain is considered more advanced in that it evolved later in the species.

Do you know when we found that it was evolved? Or could it just be a section that we didn't know about because we didn't have the capability to find it early on? Are there other sections of the brain with this case of evolving?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

Based on the case scenario related to the cerebral cortex, this solution discusses how we know that it was evolved, or if it could instead be a section that we didn't know about because we did NOT have the capability to find in the past. It also discusses if there are other sections of the brain with this case of evolving. Supplemented with an article on the brain.

Solution Preview

RESPONSE:

1. Do you know when we found that it was evolved? Or could it just be a section that we didn't know about because we didn't have the capability to find it early on? Are there other sections of the brain with this case of evolving?

There is no hard evidence for this belief. These ideas are based on Darwin's evolutionary theory, which argues that human beings have evolved from animals who have only the more primitive brains. (As opposed to creationist theory where human beings are believed to made in the image of God and never evolved from animals). Thus, since lower "animals?have voluntary movements these are considered part of lower evolution, and in the evolutionary process, human being evolved based on the the need to adapt to changes, such as hunting and gathering (needed more complex movements so the brain adapted and become ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Classical Mechanics

This quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge on Classical Mechanics.

Intro to the Physics Waves

Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.

Basic Physics

This quiz will test your knowledge about basic Physics.

Variables in Science Experiments

How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.

Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials

This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.