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Which parts of the cerebral cortex process vision, hearing, and touch?
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Senses
Vespid wasps (Vespidae), similar to other insects, have compound eyes that consist of thousands of tiny optical units known as ommatidia, which contain light-sensitive photoreceptor cells.
In the human brain, specific regions of the cerebral cortex are dedicated to processing sensory information. These areas are organized as follows:
- Vision: The primary visual area is located in the occipital lobe, specifically on both banks of the calcarine fissure (also known as the striate cortex or Brodmann area 17).123
- Hearing: The primary auditory area is situated in the temporal lobe. It is specifically located within the superior transverse temporal gyri of Heschl, found on the lower lip of the lateral sulcus (Sylvian fissure).34
- Touch (Somatosensation): The primary somatosensory area occupies the postcentral gyrus of the parietal lobe, positioned immediately behind the motor strip.53
While these areas are specialized, the brain also exhibits neuroplasticity, allowing for functional reorganization. For instance, in individuals who have been blind since birth, somatosensory input can be redirected to the visual cortex, demonstrating that these cortical regions share a similar structural foundation and can adapt to process different sensory modalities.6