The
somatosensory cortex is part of the brain located just behind the
central sulcus in the postcentral
gyrus of the
parietal lobe (the middle of the top of your brain). This is the area of your brain that detects
tactile stimulation (touch, temperatur, pain and
proprioception) and is adjacent to the primary
motor cortex.
Neuroscientists using MEG scans have mapped out which body regions are represented by which portions of the somatosensory cortex. The toes are represented at the very top near the longitudinal fissure, and the rest progress along the postcentral gyrus, ending with the head and throat at the lateral sulcus.
leg ....... hand
/ \....
| Your \...
toes | Brain \ face
\.... |
.../
Right parietal lobe, coronal view