Brain Structures: Cortex, Cerebellum, Basal Ganglia

Cortex Areas Association

Corresponds to areas of the cortex processing functions that meet superior efferents, receive input, and project to other schools in the same cerebral cortex. There are two main areas of association cortex:

CAPP (Areas 5 and 7)

This area of the cortex allows us to know the initial position of the body in any situation. It also allows us to know the position of external objects with which the individual has to interact. It then combines this information to give meaning and awareness of what is happening.

• Afferents: Come from the visual cortex, auditory cortex, and somatosensory cortex.
• Efferents: Are directed to the frontal cortex, specifically to the Frontal Dorsolateral Cortex (FDL), secondary motor cortex, and the frontal eye field.

CAPFDL (Area 6b)

Makes decisions about starting a voluntary response, according to information from the CAPP. It also programs the right moves in an overall plan.

• Afferents: Come from CAPP.
• Efferents: Are sent to the secondary motor cortex, primary motor cortex, and frontal eye field.

Secondary Motor Cortex

It is made up of the supplementary motor area, which controls self-generated movements. It is the area of the brain that is responsible for provoking complex body movements, responsible before and during voluntary motor response, and coordinates the hemispheres through its intracallosal connections.

Primary Motor Cortex

Corresponds to the zone of the cerebral cortex where somatosensory signals converge. Injury to this area only alters the ability to move a body part independently of the others.

Cerebellum

A structure that occupies about 10% of encephalic volume. The anatomic-functional areas viewed in cross-section are the lower *archicerebellum* and subsequently, under the body of the cerebellum.

• Archicerebellum: It is an extension of the vestibular system and is involved in the positions of the head, eyes, and body, in response to changes in head position.
• Paleocerebellum: Receives information from the spinocerebellar tract and is primarily concerned with the progress.
• Neocerebellum: Sends projections to the cortex for fine movements. Its correct function is to compare the movements that are ongoing (so-called motor learning).

Injury to this structure results in the loss of the ability to precisely control the direction, force, speed, and range of motion.

Basal Ganglia

These include the striatum (caudate nucleus and putamen), the globus pallidus, the subthalamic nucleus, and the substantia nigra, and its projections in the midbrain and thalamus. Its function is related to the modulation of responses.