The primary motor area
A) contains sensory neurons for the face in its inferior portion.
B) contains a smaller area for control of the hands than for control of the legs.
C) contains neurons that control smooth muscle.
D) contains more motor neurons for the thighs than the mouth.
E) contains a larger area for control of the hand and fingers than for control of the arm and elbow.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary motor area, located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe, is organized somatotopically, meaning different parts of the cortex control different parts of the body. The amount of cortex devoted to a body part reflects the complexity of its movements rather than its size. Therefore, areas like the hands and fingers, which require fine motor control, have a larger representation than simpler, less finely controlled areas like the arm and elbow.

The Primary Motor Area