Which area of the brain is identified as the primary somatosensory cortex?

The primary somatosensory cortex is located in the postcentral gyrus, which is situated just behind the precentral gyrus in the parietal lobe of the brain. This region is crucial for processing sensory information from the body, such as touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception, allowing us to perceive and respond to physical sensations.

Neuron activity in the postcentral gyrus corresponds to specific body parts, creating a topographical representation known as the sensory homunculus. This organization is why damage to this area can lead to loss of sensation or altered perception in specific parts of the body.

In contrast, the precentral gyrus is associated with the primary motor cortex and is responsible for planning and executing voluntary movements. The superior frontal gyrus and inferior temporal gyrus are involved in other functions such as higher cognitive processes and visual memory, which do not pertain to somatosensory processing.