Association areas of the brain

Dear Aspirant,

Association areas: parts of the cerebral cortex that receive input from multiple areas. Association areas integrate incoming sensory information and also form connections between sensory and motor areas. As they are interested in processing information that comes from various areas of the brain, interaction areas are often related to complex functions.

This is essential for mental functions that are more complex than the detection of basic dimensions of sensory stimulation for which primary sensory areas appear to be necessary. In humans, the association areas are by far the most advanced part of the cerebral cortex and the brain in general. These areas are necessary for perceptual activities, such as the recognition of objects (toasters, horses, trees, words, etc.) rather than simple contours, edges or sensory qualities such as color or pitch.

Each sensory system has its own cerebral cortex interaction regions. Sensory systems (vision, hearing, etc.) each have its own primary cortex area, which has the most direct connections from its senses. Each primary sensory area sends information to its own cortical association areas, which are located next to its primary areas. The motor system is structured in the same manner, but in the opposite direction: from the motor interaction areas to the main motor region, to the motor functions in the brain stem and spinal cord.

Processing that occurs in the areas of sensory association is the basis of complex mental processes associated with each sense. Every sensory interaction region tends to be essential for the perception of objects and activities in its sensory mode. The information that each sensory association area gets from its primary area is about simple contours, boundaries, and sensory qualities such as color or pitch. Sensory association areas combine this type of information to represent complex objects.

Hope this helps. All the best!