Neuroscience Analysis of Occupational Performance (OCTH 455)
and
Neuroscience (PTRS 850)
Sensory Review: Question #1
The Question
Describe a treatment technique which would facilitate firing of area 5 of the parietal lobe.
The Answer
Brodmann's area 5, along with area 7, make up the secondary somatosensory cortex. These regions coordinate somatosensory information which has registered in the primary somatosensory cortex. The function of area 5 relates to patterns of sensory experience, but limited to the somatosensory domain (Area 7 relates to the anticipation of actions). The questions asks for a sensory experience which would facilitate cortical activity in this area, and an experience which would provide patterned stimulation of large regions of the body would be suitable. One answer would be to rub the entire skin surface briskly with a towel. Using a sensory experience having multiple somatosensory qualities would further facilitate the experience; using a coarse towel would provide more stimulation than a very soft towel. Having a brief hot or cold shower just prior to this toweling would also enhance the experience, by lowering the sensory threshold of the somatosensory receptors.
Return to the Sensory Systems Review material, or
Go to the Practice questions page for this course.
Comments? Send e-mail to Jeff Radel
Back to the Top | Last Updated:01/09/08