Deutsch: Prämotorisch / Español: Premotor / Português: Premotor / Français: Prémoteur / Italiano: Premotore
Premotor, in the context of psychology, refers to the role of the premotor cortex, a region in the brain located in the frontal lobe, just anterior to the primary motor cortex. It is involved in the planning, coordination, and initiation of motor actions, as well as in integrating sensory and cognitive information to guide movement.
Description
The premotor cortex is a key area of the brain that plays a crucial role in the preparation and organisation of voluntary movements. Unlike the primary motor cortex, which directly sends signals to muscles to produce movement, the premotor cortex is involved in higher-level planning and coordination of movements before they are executed. It acts as a bridge between sensory inputs and motor outputs, helping to translate external stimuli into appropriate motor responses.
This region is divided into two main parts:
- Lateral Premotor Cortex: Responsible for movements guided by external stimuli, such as visually tracking an object and reaching for it.
- Medial Premotor Cortex (Supplementary Motor Area): Plays a role in internally guided movements, such as actions based on memory or intention.
The premotor cortex is also associated with mirror neurons, which are active both when a person performs an action and when they observe someone else performing the same action. This mechanism is critical for understanding others' actions, imitation learning, and social cognition.
From a psychological perspective, the premotor area is not just involved in physical movements but also in cognitive functions like motor imagery (thinking about movements) and action planning. Disorders affecting the premotor cortex can lead to difficulties in initiating or coordinating movements, as seen in conditions like apraxia or Parkinson's disease.
Special Functions: Premotor Cortex and Learning
The premotor cortex plays a significant role in motor learning and adapting movements based on experience. For instance, when learning a new skill like playing the piano, this area is heavily involved in coordinating sequences of movements and integrating feedback to refine performance. Over time, as movements become automatic, the reliance on the premotor cortex decreases, with other regions like the basal ganglia taking over.
The premotor area is also implicated in decision-making processes related to action, such as choosing between competing motor responses based on contextual cues.
Application Areas
- Motor Rehabilitation: Understanding premotor functions is crucial for therapies aimed at recovering movement after strokes or injuries.
- Sports Psychology: Enhancing performance through motor imagery and mental rehearsal techniques.
- Neuroscience of Learning: Investigating how the premotor cortex supports skill acquisition and adaptation.
- Social Cognition: Exploring mirror neuron activity in empathy, imitation, and social learning.
- Cognitive Therapy: Addressing movement-related disorders like apraxia or Parkinson’s disease.
Well-Known Examples
- Mirror Neuron Research: Studies on monkeys showed that specific neurons in the premotor cortex fire both when performing an action and observing others, a finding later extended to humans.
- Stroke Recovery: Neurorehabilitation techniques often target the premotor cortex to retrain motor functions.
- Sports Training: Athletes often engage in mental visualisation, which activates the premotor cortex, enhancing muscle memory and performance.
Risks and Challenges
- Motor Deficits: Damage to the premotor cortex can result in apraxia, a condition where individuals struggle to execute planned movements despite having the physical capability.
- Cognitive Impairments: Premotor dysfunction may affect decision-making and the ability to adapt movements to changing situations.
- Social Implications: Disruption of mirror neuron activity in the premotor cortex has been linked to difficulties in social interaction, as seen in autism spectrum disorders.
- Rehabilitation Limits: Recovery from premotor damage can be slow, requiring intensive and long-term therapies.
Similar Terms
- Primary Motor Cortex: The region directly responsible for executing voluntary movements.
- Motor Imagery: The mental simulation of movements, heavily involving the premotor cortex.
- Apraxia: A motor disorder caused by damage to brain regions, including the premotor area, impairing movement planning.
- Mirror Neurons: Neurons in the premotor cortex that play a role in imitation and social cognition.
Summary
The premotor cortex is a critical brain region for planning, coordinating, and learning movements, bridging sensory information with motor execution. Its role extends beyond motor functions to include cognitive and social processes, making it an essential focus in fields like rehabilitation, sports psychology, and neuroscience.
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