A key function of ventral premotor cortex is to
A) facilitate the performance of a series of movements.
B) allow primates to use visual cues to imitate the motor actions of others.
C) evoke the desire to perform a movement.
D) allow an organism to learn to respond with a specific movement to a nonarbitrary visual cue.
E) dampen overactivity of the basal ganglia.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ventral premotor cortex plays a crucial role in allowing primates to use visual cues to imitate the motor actions of others. Studies have shown that the neurons in this area are activated not only when a primate performs a certain action, but also when it observes others performing the same action. This suggests that the ventral premotor cortex is involved in the processing of visual information related to motor actions, and plays a key role in the imitation of these actions.

A Key Function of Ventral Premotor Cortex Is to