Prämotorisch

Prämotorisch is a term used in neuroscience and medicine to describe areas of the brain that are involved in planning and organizing movements. These areas are located in the frontal lobe, just in front of the primary motor cortex. The premotor cortex plays a crucial role in selecting appropriate motor plans and sequences for voluntary actions. It receives input from various sensory areas, including visual and auditory cortices, and integrates this information to prepare the body for movement.

The premotor cortex is broadly divided into the dorsal premotor cortex and the ventral premotor cortex. The dorsal premotor cortex is primarily involved in the online control of movements, adapting them based on sensory feedback, and in learning new motor skills. It also plays a role in visually guided reaching and grasping. The ventral premotor cortex is more involved in the planning of actions, particularly those involving the mouth and hands, and is thought to be important for imitation and understanding the actions of others.

Damage to the premotor areas can result in a variety of motor deficits. These can include apraxia, which is a difficulty in performing learned, purposeful movements despite having the physical ability to do so. Individuals with premotor damage may also exhibit difficulties with motor sequencing, planning complex actions, and responding to sensory cues for movement. The understanding of premotor function has significantly advanced our knowledge of motor control and the neural basis of voluntary behavior.