Where is Touch Located in the Brain?
Touch is a sense that is processed by the brain and is located in several areas. The primary area of the brain responsible for processing touch is the somatosensory cortex, which is located in the parietal lobe of the cerebral cortex. This area of the brain receives sensory information from all parts of the body, including the skin, muscles, joints, and internal organs.
The Somatosensory Cortex
The somatosensory cortex is divided into two parts: the primary somatosensory cortex and the secondary somatosensory cortex. The primary somatosensory cortex receives direct input from sensory receptors in the skin and other parts of the body. It processes this information to determine where on the body an object or sensation is coming from. The secondary somatosensory cortex then processes this information further to determine what type of sensation it is, such as pressure, temperature, or pain.
Other Areas of the Brain Involved in Touch Processing
In addition to the somatosensory cortex, there are several other areas of the brain involved in processing touch. These include the insular cortex, which helps to process emotional responses to touch; the thalamus, which relays sensory information to other parts of the brain; and various subcortical structures such as the amygdala and hippocampus, which help to store memories related to touch.