Somatosensory Cortex

The Somatosensory Cortex is an area of the brain, located in the parietal lobe, that processes sensory input from the skin, muscles, and joints. This area detects and interprets information on touch, temperature, pain, and pressure and allows us to perceive the size, shape, and texture of an object via touch. In addition, the somatosensory cortex is responsible for helping us monitor the position of our own body in space. Specific areas of the somatosensory cortex correspond to specific parts of the body. When the brain area representing the left foot is stimulated, for example, the patient will report feeling sensations in his or her left foot.